AFC left tackle Rayshawn Slater of the Los Angeles Chargers (70) shows his skills during a Pro Bowl … More
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The Los Angeles Chargers scored their biggest win of the summer by signing left tackle Rayshawn Slater to a massive contract extension.
Slater, a two-time Pro Bowler who’s tasked in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside, is collecting $92 million in guarantee money on his four-year, $114 million pact.
With right tackle Joe Alt excelling in his rookie year last season, the Chargers are set at the offensive line’s two most critical spots for years to come.
According to several player-contract web sites, Slater, 26, becomes the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman with his annual compensation pegged at $28.5 million.
With a longer deal in place, Slater’s salary cap number for this season decreases from $19 million to $14.8 million.
The new deal blows away the $19 million Slater, a former first-round pick, was scheduled to earn on his fifth-year rookie contract option season.
Slater had an immediate impact, becoming a starter in his first game and he earned his first Pro Bowl honor and was also a second-team All-Pro selection.
Slater has battled injuries, especially a torn biceps tendon, which restricted him to three games in 2022. But he’s also played when less than 100 percent, which goes a long way with the Chargers physical, tough-guy persona they embrace.
Slater continues to improve with age and statistics provided by Pro Football Focus regarding his play last season prove it. His grade sheet revealed, that among tackles, he was ranked second overall, third in pass blocking and fifth in run blocking.
A foot injury has slowed him during camp, as the Chargers prepare for the Hall of Fame game against the Detroit Lions on July 31. Slater, as well as most of the other L.A. starters, aren’t expected to play in the first of its four preseason games.
Los Angeles Chargers right tackle Joe Alt (76) looks on during a recent practice at training camp. … More
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The combo of Slater and Alt on the edges is a huge boost for a Chargers team that enters year two of coach Jim Harbaugh’s stint, with hopes for a deep playoff run. Slater is now tied to the Chargers through 2029 and Alt’s deal could extend to 2028 if the Chargers trigger his fifth-year option.
Although talks between Slater and the Chargers lost momentum at times, Slater never envisioned a deal not getting done.
“I have no concern about it at all,’’ he said during the team’s spring minicamp sessions. “Realistically speaking, I’ve known for a long time this is how these things go. It’s not something that bothers me. It’s just the business of football.”
