The Philadelphia Eagles didn't bring back Mekhi Becton this offseason, as the former first-round pick left Philly and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a two-year deal. It was looked at as an excellent move for the Chargers, as they were adding the improved Becton to their offensive line to help protect Justin Herbert.
Well, the Chargers' signing has not gone according to plan, and his performance this year proves that the Eagles made the right move in letting him walk. This isn't to say Eagles fans weren't bummed to see him leave, but it also shows that perhaps it was the Eagles' coaching and system that made him who he was in 2024.
The Eagles took a flyer on Becton in the 2024 offseason after he looked like a huge bust during his time with the New York Jets, who spent the 11th overall pick on him in the 2020 draft. Philly moved Becton to right guard instead of tackle where he had played in New York and the move paid off in a big way. He finished the 2024 season with a 75.3 PFF grade and was in the green in both pass protection and run blocking.
Eagles look smart for moving on as Mekhi Becton unravels with Chargers
The Chargers stole Becton away this offseason, and now they're suffering the consequences of that. Becton has been horrid with his new team, tallying a putrid 40.5 overall grade from PFF and proving that maybe he's still the bust he was with the Jets, and the Eagles were the only team to bring him out of that funk.
Philly replaced Becton with Tyler Steen, their third-round pick in the 2023 draft. He's picked up where Becton left off, receiving solid grades from PFF and helping the Eagles offensive line continue to thrive.
The good news for the Chargers is that they can get out of Becton's two-year deal pretty easily, so, while annoying for them in the moment, it's not going to be a contract they're married to long-term. Still, Eagles fans can breathe easy knowing they didn't cave and keep Becton around if he was going to fall apart again after getting paid.
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Another solid decision from Howie Roseman.