Potential Rashawn Slater holdout lingers (but should Chargers fans worry?)

After having one of the best seasons of his young career, Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater is looking for a new contract which might end up being a problem later this summer.

Last week, Slater wasn't at the Chargers' OTAs, marking the first time in his now five-year career that he had missed the session. They are voluntary, so it's not the end of the world, but it is a telling sign for a player that is in the last year of his rookie agreement.

If extension talks don't progress during the summer, Los Angeles could be in for a long training camp without the most essential piece to their offensive line. Does it create a cause of concern for the Chargers?

Is Slater potentially holding out a big problem yet?

Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton listed seven players who are potential holdouts in the NFL, along with their panic meter, rated from one to 10. Slater is one of them, but Moton was not concerned at all as the panic meter was at one.

"At a premium position, the 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract. So, he understandably wants a new deal after a standout campaign.

According to The Athletic's Daniel Popper, Slater missed the start of OTAs for the first time in his five-year career, so his absence is notable despite the voluntary nature of those practices.

In February, general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters that the team has 'had conversations' about the Northwestern product's extension. While the Chargers haven't provided an update on those discussions, they're likely to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

Los Angeles has $26.8 million in cap space and a projected league-high $110.9 million for 2026. The front office has no reason to let this contract situation evolve into a full-blown holdout."

Slater started 15 games at left tackle for the Chargers last year as he was selected to his second Pro Bowl in four years. According to PFF, he was the second-best tackle in the NFL with an overall grade of 91.1.

The left tackle position is always the most essential position on the field as it protects the blind side of right-handed quarterbacks. Los Angeles allowed 44 sacks a season ago on quarterback Justin Herbert, which was the 14th most in the league.

No one seems to be in a panic yet, which is a positive, as the two sides still have about two months to resolve the issue. Slater missing OTAs isn't a big deal since he is in his fifth season on the team and has established himself as one of the best left tackles in the league.

The panic button will only be hit if Slater isn't at training camp. Then it becomes a bigger storyline that the Chargers don't want to deal with.