Bolts From The Blue
While taking questions at this year’s NFL Combine, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was asked about the current of discussions in regards to left tackle Rashawn Slater’s expected contract extension this offseason.
Hortiz told reporters that him and Slater have “had conversations” and that he’d love to have the left tackle around for a long time.
“ I love Rashawn. I love Rashawn. And Rashawn is a great player, and he helps us win football games.”
Since being drafted in 2021, Slater has been named a Second-Team All-Pro and been voted to two Pro Bowls (2021, 2024). This past season, Slater had his highest-graded season of his career by Pro Football Focus with an overall grade of 90.9, much higher than the 83.6 he earned during his All-Pro rookie season (83.6).
Per PFF, his 90.9 overall grade out him as the year’s second-best offensive tackle, behind only Jordan Mailata (95.1) of the Eagles. His run block grade of 82.3 was seventh best among tackles while his pass block grade of 89.9 was good for third best.
At this point, it would be absolute malpractice for the Chargers to not keep Slater playing in Los Angeles as long as Justin Herbert is their quarterback. Expect a deal to inevitably get done this offseason to lock in Herbert’s blindside protector for the foreseeable future.
