Mekhi Becton released by Chargers
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 15: Mekhi Becton #73 of the Los Angeles Chargers prepares to block during the NFL 2025 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
A move that the Los Angeles Chargers had to make has finally come to fruition. After an abysmal season with LA, former Super Bowl champion offensive guard Mekhi Becton has been released from the Chargers. The move saves the team 9.7 million dollars over the cap, which is an already highly beneficial move considering the team’s cap space.
For Becton however, this could be seen as a massive disappointment. He has become somewhat of a journeyman over the year after being selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 202 NFL Draft. However, after spending four average seasons with the Jets, Becton seemingly found a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning the Super Bowl with them in 2024. The Chargers were impressed by his performances and decided to acquire him.
While he ended up playing in 15 games, he wasn’t what he was for the Eagles. According to PFF, Becton graded out as 81st amongst guards when it came to run blocking and 72nd in pass blocking. However, what was even more disappointing was Becton’s overall behavior surrounding the Charger’s medical staff for taking him out of games at certain times.
A Risk That Never Paid Off
For the Chargers, while they took the high risk, high reward route, they knew that the Becton project may not work out in the long run. That’s why they only agreed a two year deal worth 20 million dollars. For other NFL teams, Becton’s potential and thoughts of that one healthy season in Philly may appeal to them, but for the Chargers, it won’t cut it now.
With over 84.4 million dollars in cap space, the Chargers have an ample opportunity to bolster their offensive line. They have already been linked to the Ravens‘ Tyler Linderbaum and the Bills‘ Connor McGovern. While both won’t come on the cheap, they both would be much better than the production they received last year.
For Becton, it will be yet another reset and potentially a much harder one. After all, he only has one good season under his belt, and there have been several concerns about his injury history, having not played full seasons in 2021 and 2022. Also, he may not even get the chance to have a long term deal with a team ever again, as his market value should rapidly decrease now.
What’s Next for the Offensive Line?
Now for the Chargers, the guard position becomes very intriguing. With only Ben Cleveland and Branson Taylor on the roster at the guard spots, they could have one of two choices: draft someone like Penn State’s Vega Ioane or look to find an established guard in free agency. The first option may be more appealing as they could save money and address more pressing positions of need along the O-line.
Still, a player like the Steelers‘ Isaac Seumalo could be available and should the Chargers falter in certain acquisitions, he could end up being a perfect backup plan.
The bottom line though is that the Chargers seem to be willing to go in the right direction at the position. By cutting Becton, they have opened up a number of possibilities.