1. LT Rashawn Slater
Securing Rashawn Slater’s contract extension this offseason is crucial for the Chargers, especially considering his potential. While Slater is currently under contract until 2024 with a looming fifth-year option worth $19.04 million, waiting until 2025 could lead to higher costs in terms of salary and guarantees. As of now, Laremy Tunsil of the Texans holds the title for the NFL’s highest-paid left tackle with a $25 million annual salary, and Andrew Thomas of the Giants boasts the most guaranteed money among left tackles at $67 million.
The market is likely to reset soon with players like Penei Sewell (Lions), Jedrick Wills (Browns), and Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers) setting new benchmarks. Despite being drafted a year after Wills and Wirfs in 2020, the Chargers should prioritize extending Slater, who has established himself as one of the top left tackles in the league.
In 2023, Slater ranked fourth among tackles with an 84.6 pass-rush grade, allowing only one sack and three QB hits according to Pro Football Focus. At just 25 years old, the Chargers should initiate contract negotiations with Slater this summer at the latest.
2. WR Josh Palmer
Josh Palmer, a favorite among Chargers fans, has proven to be a reliable target for Justin Herbert since joining the team as a priority free agent in 2021. Despite a knee injury limiting him to 10 games last season, Palmer showcased his skills with a career-high average of 15.4 yards per catch, ranking 15th among all receivers, and adding 5.0 yards after the catch per reception, per PFF.
One standout stat is Herbert’s impressive 99.6 passer rating when targeting Palmer. Their chemistry has been evident since Palmer’s arrival. Extending Palmer, who becomes a free agent after next season, would be wise given his connection with Herbert and the team’s WR situation, even if they draft a receiver early.
Considering the potential cap space from expiring contracts of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in 2025, retaining Palmer makes financial sense for the Chargers.
3. K Cameron Dicker
Special teams play a crucial role, and Cameron Dicker has been exceptional for the Chargers over the past two seasons. In 2022, he had one of the best rookie performances for a kicker since the merger, boasting a 95.5% field goal percentage.
Dicker’s consistency continued in 2023 with 31 made field goals, the most by a Chargers kicker in a decade. His 93.9% conversion rate ranked fifth among kickers, and he excelled in kicks beyond 50 yards.
With a remarkable 94.5% field goal percentage in league history among kickers with over 50 attempts, Dicker has proven his worth. His performance in pressure situations, like the 2022 playoffs, further solidifies his status as one of the NFL’s top kickers.
Extending Dicker should be a priority for the Chargers given his reliability and impact on the team’s success.
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