Chargers Star Holding Out From OTAs With Contract Negotiations Ongoing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated May 28, 2025 6:05 PM ET

Now that the NFL draft and free agency festivities have just about wrapped up, teams are gearing up for OTAs and training camp in the coming months.

There isn’t much commotion in the league around this time, but it’s the period where players skip team activities who are frustrated with their contract situations.

The Los Angeles Chargers are currently holding OTAs as they get ready for their minicamp on June 10.

Typically they don’t have a problem with players making public spectacles at team camps, but there are reports that a high-profile player isn’t attending OTAs and may be seeking a new deal.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that superstar offensive lineman Rashawn Slater is holding out of the Chargers’ OTAs as he is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract.

He also suggests that there is no reason to panic because players cannot start getting fined for missing team events until June 10th when they become mandatory.

Slater has developed into one of the best offensive lineman over his four years in the league, dominating in both the run game and the pass game.

Protecting Justin Herbert has been the main objective for Los Angeles since he was drafted, and losing such an elite anchor would send shockwaves through the entire team.

Luckily, Slater seems like a levelheaded person who is more than willing to hash out a deal with the team when the time is right.

The Chargers still have a large amount of cap space due to some frugal budgeting in free agency, so collaborating on a long term extension doesn’t seem too far fetched.

If Slater holds out for an extended period of time then the situation could escalate, but for now Los Angeles has nothing to worry about.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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