NFL

Chargers sign OT Rashawn Slater to four-year, $114 million contract extension

Upon Jim Harbaugh’s arrival in Los Angeles, the Chargers vowed a commitment to building the offensive line. Slater was already in place, and now he’s slated (no pun intended) to play for the franchise through 2029. It’s a hefty sum — the most per year for an offensive tackle in NFL history — for Los Angeles to retain Slater, but he’s only 26 and one of the best players at his position.

Now, the Chargers possess arguably the best tackle duo in the sport in Slater and Joe Alt. Constructing the rest of the offense is still a work in progress, but with two bookend tackles, Justin Herbert’s jersey should stay mostly clean for the foreseeable future.

Grade: A-

Cowboys sign TE Jake Ferguson to four-year, $52 million contract extension

Ferguson’s first three seasons have been up and down. After a mostly anonymous rookie year, the tight end leveled up in Year 2, recording 71 receptions for 761 yards and five touchdowns. That performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod, and it appeared that the 2022 fourth-round pick was on track to be one of the best players at his position.

Then last season happened. Ferguson saw his numbers drop to 494 yards and zero scores. To be fair, Dak Prescott played just eight games, but the tight end’s overall play suffered. A rebound year should be in store for the 26-year-old.

I don’t understand the vision for this deal. The Cowboys are paying for the 2023 version of Ferguson; not the 2024 one. Why not wait another year — Ferguson is in the final season of his rookie contract — and see if he returns to form? Even if he does, Dallas likely could’ve signed him to a similar pact next spring.

The Cowboys aren’t exactly masters of the art of negotiation, and this is yet another example. Dallas is paying Pro Bowl money an average starting tight end. Yet, Micah Parsons still doesn’t have a long-term deal.

Grade: C-