On June 11, the Chargers see LT Rashawn Slater return from his holdout, but can Justin Herbert succeed with a thin wide receiver corps? A look at the team's biggest question.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The good news arrived in the form of #70 on the practice field. Rashawn Slater, the Chargers' elite left tackle, ended his brief holdout and reported for mandatory minicamp, a sight for sore eyes for everyone in the Bolts organization. But as one massive question mark was erased, another grew even larger. While the defense preaches dominance, the offense is still desperately searching for answers at wide receiver, a problem that became painfully apparent on Wednesday.
The Chargers defense was the NFL's top scoring unit in 2024.
Let's start with the big win of the day: Rashawn Slater is back. After missing voluntary OTAs for the first time in his career amid contract negotiations, the All-Pro left tackle was back protecting the blind side in drills. His presence immediately solidifies an offensive line that felt uncertain without him. For a team relying on Justin Herbert to be magical, having his elite bodyguard back in the building is non-negotiable. While a long-term deal still needs to be hammered out, his return for mandatory camp is a huge step in the right direction and a clear sign of his commitment to the team.
Now for the less encouraging news. While Slater's return helps Herbert, who is he throwing to? The current wide receiver pecking order is, to put it mildly, concerning. With no clear #1 option and a reliance on veteran deference rather than game-breaking talent, the group feels incomplete. The front office's inaction at the position this offseason is now leading to minicamp tryouts, with 32-year-old veteran Willie Snead the latest to get a look. While Snead has had a solid career, hoping a journeyman can solve your WR1 problem in June is a risky strategy for a team with championship aspirations.
If you're worried about the offense, the defense is here to calm your nerves. Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter took to the podium radiating confidence, and why wouldn't he? He's overseeing a unit that was the NFL's best scoring defense in 2024. Minter spoke about the high standards and the progress the group has made, emphasizing their goal is not just to repeat that success, but to build on it. The contrast is stark: while the offense scrambles for parts, the defense is a well-oiled, championship-caliber machine ready to dominate.
Amid the on-field drama, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh continues to put his unique stamp on the team's culture. The latest example? New practice jerseys adorned with special patches celebrating individual player accolades, from NFL records to team awards. It’s a small touch, but a powerful one. It's a daily, visual reminder of the standard of excellence Harbaugh expects and a way to foster pride and recognition within the locker room. It's another sign that this is a new era of Chargers football, one built on accountability and celebrating success.
Wednesday at minicamp was a microcosm of the 2025 Chargers: reason for optimism and cause for major concern, all in one day. Slater's return is a massive boost, and the defense looks poised to carry the team. But the season may ultimately hinge on a question the front office has yet to answer: Who will catch the ball? As minicamp continues, all eyes will be on the receiver group and whether a true threat can emerge from the current roster, or if the solution is still outside the building.
