The Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest free agency loss could come through left guard Isaac Seumalo. Expected to command a strong market and accompanying price tag, his departure would leave a hole in the team’s front five. If the Steelers aim to replace him with an external veteran, a new name just became available. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Los Angeles Chargers are releasing guard Mekhi Becton.
The Chargers plan to release guard Mekhi Becton in the coming days, per source. The move saves Los Angeles $9.7 million on the cap. pic.twitter.com/8BxMHJkkfj
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2026
Becton has experienced a bumpy NFL career. A former New York Jets first-round pick, he struggled in his early years and became a bust. Under legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, the Philadelphia Eagles resurrected Becton’s career, turning him into a mauling guard. That earned him a payday with the Chargers, but Becton struggled to recapture the same magic in 2025.
He started 14 games but struggled, and he seemed to question the coaching staff. He expressed frustration with being rotated mid-game and after the season admitted he didn’t fit the Chargers’ offensive scheme.
Mekhi Becton said he was uncomfortable playing in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s system this season:
“It’s a lot of different things I’m not used to.”
Q: Do you feel like you got comfortable with those things over time?
“No.”
Q: Have you talked about improving that next…
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 12, 2026
Now, Becton gets to start fresh. Still just 26 until mid-April and mammoth size at a listed 363 pounds, he figures to have a robust market. But he still could cost less than Seumalo or at the least, will command a similar price at a much younger age.
Since kicking inside from tackle, Becton’s been a right guard throughout his career. A potential Steelers signing would require either him playing a new position or the team shifting Mason McCormick over to left guard. While McCormick was a left guard in college, Pittsburgh may not want to mess with a solid right-side duo of him and Troy Fautanu. Spencer Anderson’s improvement can’t be forgotten about either and there’s a case for him to be allowed to compete for a starting role.
Throughout the offseason, Gerry Dulac’s reported the Steelers’ plan to add a veteran if Seumalo leaves. Becton might be the top name on the list. Though like any offensive lineman who becomes available, there’s a price to pay for young talent.
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