The Philadelphia Eagles trusted Mekhi Becton when no one else would. The former first-round selection struggled with injuries and was considered a bust after entering the league as the No. 11 overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2020 draft.
Not only did the Eagles give him a chance to prove his worth with a one-year deal in 2024, but they actually helped him find his best version in a different position. They moved him to guard to bolster their already massive offensive line, adding a 6-foot-7, 363-pound physical specimen to the interior.
Becton was instrumental in helping Nick Sirianni's team win the Super Bowl two years ago. Then, he signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, just to be released after a disappointing 2025 season.
Mekhi Becton Has to Miss the Philadelphia Eagles After Chargers Stint
Becton has been in the league for six full seasons now, and he's only done well in the City of Brotherly Love. Granted, injuries have taken a big toll on his ability to perform at the highest level, but it's not like he would be the only former New York Jet who has failed to live up to the expectations.
As for his brief tenure with the Chargers, he wasn't very good, but they also had to deal with multiple injuries along the offensive line. Notably, the Eagles could've probably used someone to rotate with Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen, but they were never going to pay Becton as much as the Chargers gave him.
Becton finished the season with a Pro Football Focus grade of 35.7, the third-worst among 81 eligible guards. He had the league's worst run-block grade (34.3) and the tenth-worst pass-block grade (45.2). In addition, Becton allowed 37 total pressures, including seven QB hits and three sacks, and he was called for five penalties.
Former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland doesn't have a reputation as a guru just for the sake of it. He brought the best out of Becton in a different position, to see the lineman fall from grace as soon as he left the building.
Teams looking for offensive line depth should take a look at his tape and his numbers from 2024. He had a 70.8 overall grade and a 70.3 run-block grade, so maybe his issues weren't entirely on him. However, he's going to find a tough time getting a new deal to be a starter elsewhere, and maybe a return to Philadelphia will be just what he needs to revive his career, even if it's as a backup.