The 2021 NFL Draft featured one of the most talented offensive line classes in recent memory. The group was spearheaded by bookend tackles Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater from Oregon and Northwestern respectively. Sewell received a lofty extension last offseason, which made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time.
Chargers Star LT Rashawn Slater Signs Record-Breaking Contact Extension originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2021 NFL Draft featured one of the most talented offensive line classes in recent memory. The group was spearheaded by bookend tackles Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater from Oregon and Northwestern respectively.
The two behemoths were pitted against each other as fans and the national media attempted to come to a consensus as to who was better. They will likely always be mentioned in the same breath as each other and they have both lived up to expectations thus far.
Sewell received a lofty extension last offseason, which made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time. After another strong season that solidified him as one of the league's premier tackles, Slater now has a mammoth deal of his own.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that Slater and the Los Angeles Chargers reached an agreement on a four-year, $114 million contract extension that makes him the new highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
ESPN sources: Chargers and left tackle Rashawn Slater reached agreement today on a four-year, $114 million contract extension that includes a record $92 million guaranteed and now makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2025
Deal was negotiated between… pic.twitter.com/nSWKfIW7DP
The Chargers had some reservations about extending the fifth-year star after a rollercoaster season in 2023. But following his second Pro Bowl campaign last year, the team felt enough conviction to ink Slater to a deal that will keep him in Los Angeles until 2030.
With head coach Jim Harbaugh’s arrival last season, it is no surprise that the Chargers are investing heavily in the trenches. The former Michigan coach is notoriously tough, with a penchant for playing hard-nosed football, so elite big men to help win the line of scrimmage are imperative.
Slater, along with second-year tackle Joe Alt, will aid Harbaugh in his quest to destroy his opponent’s will with physicality.
Related: Chargers Send Clear Message to Keenan Allen With Recent Free Agent Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
