If the Philadelphia Eagles want to bring Mekhi Becton back to Jeff Stoutland University this offseason, it sounds like they’re going to get a chance to do so.
Becton is expected to be released by the Los
Angeles Chargers after a disappointing season. Tony Pauline had the following to say about the matter in a report from the Shrine Bowl:
After seemingly turning his career around, word at the Shrine Bowl is that Mekhi Becton has reverted to his former ways, and the Los Angeles Chargers will opt out of the final year of his contract. […] A one-year stint with the Eagles saw him get his game and life back on track, culminating in a Super Bowl ring and a new two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers last offseason. But he’s been a disappointment despite starting 15 games. Becton’s run and pass blocking were both a disaster, and he was ranked as one of the worst guards in the league. The Chargers can opt out of the second year of his deal, and people at the Shrine Bowl tell me that’s exactly what will happen.
It’s not hard to believe this report is true since the Bolts can cut Becton to clear $9.7 million in cap space while only taking on $2.5 million in dead money.
There’s a common belief that the 2025 Eagles missed the 2024 version of Becton, especially when it came to Philly’s ability to run the ball.
While there’s no doubt that Becton made some really nice plays as a run blocker during Philly’s Super Bowl LIX-winning season, it’s hardly like his replacement was a total liability. The perception is that Steen was worse as a run blocker but better in pass protection. But here’s what the Pro Football Focus grading (grain of salt) looks like:
- 2025 Tyler Steen: 16th overall out of 85 guards … 15th in run blocking, 9th in pass blocking
- 2024 Mekhi Becton: 20th overall out of 79 guards … 22nd in run blocking, t-51st in pass blocking
I don’t get the sense that the Eagles are itching to replace Steen — who is now eligible for an extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract — with Becton. Especially after Becton had a down 2025 where he got benched at one point and ranked 83rd out of 85 guards graded by PFF (84th in run blocking and 75th in pass blocking).
The Eagles could reasonably have interest in Becton as a depth piece, assuming he’s willing to take on that role like he originally was in 2024. With Brett Toth and Matt Pryor set to be free agents, the Eagles do not have a clear backup guard on the roster. Fred Johnson will also be a free agent and he’s talked about viewing himself as a starter. Becton coming back as a guard/tackle option could be good if he’s truly motivated to bounce back after a bad season.
