Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves offensive linemen.
The coach mentioned, “We look at offensive linemen as weapons,” after dealing with criticism for taking proper sort out Joe Alt as an alternative of large receiver Malik Nabers (now with the New York Giants) throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, the Chargers are retaining Harbaugh’s arsenal stocked.
Los Angeles and left sort out Rashawn Slater agreed to a four-year, $114M contract extension Sunday, by way of ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal consists of $92M assured, making him the highest-paid O-lineman in NFL historical past.
Slater, 26, had been working to the facet at coaching camp as an alternative of working towards with the workforce since July 18.
Harbaugh has used a smashmouth offense all through his profession. Throughout the 2024 season, the Chargers tied for the league’s Eleventh-most speeding makes an attempt (463).
L.A. will in all probability proceed to lean closely on its floor assault this season. It signed working again Najee Harris in free company and grabbed North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (choose No. 22) within the 2025 draft. Harris is on the non-football injury list due to an eye fixed harm suffered throughout a fireworks accident on July 4.
Holding O-linemen who go well with the run-heavy scheme is essential. Per Pro Football Focus, Slater posted an 82.8 run-blocking grade in 15 regular-season video games final season, the fifth-best mark at his place.
The 2-time Professional Bowler can also be wonderful at defending quarterback Justin Herbert. The Northwestern product has allowed just 11 sacks for the reason that Chargers chosen him with choose No. 13 within the 2021 draft (by way of PFF).
The one concern about Slater is his harm historical past. He missed 14 regular-season video games throughout the 2022 season due to a left biceps tear and battled ankle and pectoral accidents over the previous two seasons.
If Slater stays wholesome, the Chargers ought to have among the finest O-lines within the NFL. PFF’s Zoltan Buday ranked the unit No. 10 within the league in a narrative revealed July 7. That ought to make Harbaugh smile.
