Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves offensive linemen.
The coach stated, “We look at offensive linemen as weapons,” after going through criticism for taking proper deal with Joe Alt as a substitute of extensive receiver Malik Nabers (now with the New York Giants) throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, the Chargers are maintaining Harbaugh’s arsenal stocked.
Los Angeles and left deal with Rashawn Slater agreed to a four-year, $114M contract extension Sunday, by way of ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal contains $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 a substitute of working towards with the staff since July 18.
Harbaugh has used a smashmouth offense all through his profession. Through the 2024 season, the Chargers tied for the league’s Eleventh-most dashing makes an attempt (463).
L.A. will most likely proceed to lean closely on its floor assault this season. It signed operating again Najee Harris in free company and grabbed North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (decide No. 22) within the 2025 draft. Harris is on the non-football injury list due to a watch damage suffered throughout a fireworks accident on July 4.
Conserving 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 glorious at defending quarterback Justin Herbert. The Northwestern product has allowed just 11 sacks for the reason that Chargers chosen him with decide No. 13 within the 2021 draft (by way of PFF).
The one concern about Slater is his damage 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 the most effective 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.
