The Philadelphia Eagles knew this offseason would be challenging, with limited cap space and many key starters set to hit the open market. While the organization did what they could to keep their central stars, Friday night saw their fifth starter leave for new deals around the league.
Mekhi Becton - the team's starting right guard last season - signed a new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Ian Rappaport of NFL Network stated the deal is worth close to $20 million.
That compensation is expected to give the Eagles a fifth-round compensatory pick in the 2026 Draft.
Becton came to the Eagles after a rough four seasons with the New York Jets. The former first round pick out of Louisville struggled with injuries and ineffective play.
Pickings were slim when Becton hit free agency last offseason and chose to sign with the Eagles on the caveat he would learn to play right guard for the first time in his career under Jeff Stoutland.
Becton became Stoutland's latest reclamation project throughout the 2024 season. He started 15 games and recorded an above-average grade of 75 from Pro Football Focus.
Along the way, the reason why he wanted to become a football player was more clear in Philly.
"You can almost say I lost love of the game in a way because I was just in a bad place," Becton told ESPN last week. "But [the Eagles] definitely brought my love for the game back, for sure."
It's clear Becton will always be thankful for his time in Philadelphia. Even with him moving across the country to play for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers moving forward.
