The Chargers are making fourth-round selection Travis Burke their first 2026 draft pick to sign their rookie contract. Per Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo, Burke is signing his four-year, $5.5 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.1 million.
Burke was
squarely in the sights of the Bolts from seemingly early in the process. He was one of the team’s reported Top-30 visits in the weeks leading up to the draft and ultimately was able to capitalize on his fast rise up draft boards before being taken early on day three.
The Chargers are obviously getting back both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to begin the season, but Burke immediately provides competition at swing tackle with veteran Trey Pipkins. There’s been talk about the Chargers simply cutting Pipkins this offseason, but they’d save nothing by cutting him pre-June 1st and only save $575,000 by cutting him after that date.
I believe it’s safe to say that Burke and Pipkins will compete all summer long to see which one gets the honor of holding down that swing tackle spot.
