Chargers make decision on Rashawn Slater's fifth-year option

After snagging the draft’s top offensive line prospect, the Chargers have committed to another first-round lineman through the 2025 campaign. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Chargers have picked up Rashawn Slater‘s fifth-year option.

As our 2025 NFL fifth-year option tracker shows, Slater will now be attached to a fully guaranteed $19M for the 2025 campaign. The lineman will earn a $2.9M base salary in 2024 via the fourth year of his rookie contract.

The 13th overall pick in the 2021 draft (and the second offensive lineman off the board), Slater has started all 36 of his appearances since joining the Chargers. The Northwestern product had a standout rookie season, earning a second-team All-Pro nod after starting all 16 of his games. He ruptured his biceps tendon three games into the 2022 campaign, ending his sophomore season prematurely.

Slater managed to return for the start of the 2023 season and proceeded to appear in every offensive snap for the Chargers. Pro Football Focus ranked Slater 17th among 81 qualifying offensive tackles last season, including one of the highest grades at the position for pass blocking.

The Chargers selected Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick. While Slater has more than proved himself at LT in front of Justin Herbert, the organization is leaving the door open to Alt taking over the blind side.

“We don’t know yet. Those things are to be determined,” coach Jim Harbaugh said of the OL configuration, via the team’s website. “Count on us playing our best five offensive linemen. What position each guy plays within the offense and within the offensive line is to be determined.”