The Chargers have revitalized their roster over the past few years, and that has started with the offensive line. When Jim Harbaugh was hired as the head coach over a year ago, it was clear the team would continue to invest heavily in the position.
It’s paid off and will continue to do so to keep franchise quarterback Justin Herbert as upright and healthy as possible. In turn, Los Angeles has formed one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL. Both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt cracked Pro Football Focus’ list of the top-32 OTs in football.
Slater slotted in at No. 3 on the list after his second career Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Alt, coming off an impressive rookie campaign, was 16th.
PFF’s Zoltan Buday had this to say about the former’s ascension during his time in Los Angeles:
Even though Slater was already excelling in his first three seasons in the league, he elevated his play to a new level in 2024. His 89.9 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked third among tackles, while his 90.9 PFF overall grade placed second.
Slater was the highest-ranked tackle in the AFC, as Tristan Wirfs and Jordan Mailata of the NFC were the only two rated higher. Now, the Chargers are set to enter an awkward stage with their franchise offensive tackle.
The former Northwestern product is entering the final year of his rookie contract after the team picked up the fifth-year option. Slater held out of the beginning of OTAs a few weeks ago in hopes of landing a contract extension.
There’s no doubt whether or not he deserves a huge deal, it’s just a matter of if the Chargers will pay him that kind of money. As for Alt, expect him to take that next step forward in his second NFL season in 2025, which could elevate him into the conversation of the game’s best.
