After helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton has departed for the Los Angeles Chargers in a move that reportedly leaves the talented guard with conflicting feelings.
The Eagles took a calculated chance on Becton last season, shifting him from his natural position at tackle to right guard—a spot he had never played. What began as a depth move turned into one of the most impactful transitions of the season. Becton started 15 regular-season games and all four playoff contests, emerging as one of Philadelphia’s most reliable interior linemen.
After four underwhelming years with the New York Jets, where injuries and inconsistency derailed his trajectory as a former first-round pick, Becton flourished under the tutelage of Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. The change of scenery and coaching helped Becton resurrect his career and rediscover his confidence.
While Becton hoped to remain in Philadelphia, the opportunity with the Chargers was simply too significant to pass up. Los Angeles signed him to a two-year, $20 million deal—making him the 11th highest-paid guard in football. That’s a substantial leap from the one-year, $2.75 million deal he played under last season.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Becton expressed deep appreciation for his time in Philadelphia.
"The standard we upheld and the way we showed up for each other every single day, that's what made this past season the most fun I've ever had playing football," he wrote.
Sources close to the veteran lineman noted that, all things equal, he would have preferred to return and continue working with Stoutland. But Eagles GM Howie Roseman, known for his ruthless efficiency in roster building, opted not to match the Chargers’ offer—choosing long-term cap flexibility over emotional reunions.
Becton is just the latest Super Bowl contributor to exit this offseason, joining Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Darius Slay, Isaiah Rodgers, and Oren Burks in leaving for other teams. The likely next man up at right guard is second-year lineman Tyler Steen, a 2023 third-round pick whose development the Eagles have been quietly optimistic about.
Despite the turnover, the Eagles' offensive line still returns four of five starters and remains one of the most dominant units in the NFL.
For the Chargers, Becton represents a critical addition as new head coach Jim Harbaugh reshapes the team’s identity. Becton’s 75.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 16th among guards with at least 500 snaps last season, and his size and athleticism—at 6-foot-7 and 363 pounds—align perfectly with Harbaugh’s vision for a physical, run-oriented offense.
While his journey now continues in Los Angeles, Becton leaves Philadelphia with a Super Bowl ring, a revived reputation, and a fanbase grateful for the brief but meaningful impact he made in midnight green.
