The Eagles are set to add to their depth at offensive tackle with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that the team will sign former Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton. Pending a physical, Becton is in line to sign a one-year deal to head to Philadelphia. 
Becton has had a rough go over the course of his rookie contract. The 11th overall draft pick for the Jets in 2020, Becton was a starter in his rookie season and graded out relatively well, with Pro Football Focus (subscription required) marking him as the 31st best offensive tackle out of 79 graded players at the position.
In the season opener of his sophomore campaign, though, a teammate rolled up on his right leg. Becton was forced to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, and though New York never ruled him out of the remainder of the season, he failed to return for the rest of the year. His comeback the following year fell short when he reinjured the same knee in the first week at training camp, requiring major surgery that would cause him to miss the entire 2022 season.
Therefore, it felt like an accomplishment in its own right when Becton was able to start in 16 games last season. He didn’t grade out very well (66th of 81 per PFF), but being able to return and stay healthy for most of the season was a giant step in the right direction for the former first-round pick.
In Philadelphia, Becton won’t be asked to do too much too soon. The Eagles return both longtime starting tackle Lane Johnson and veteran left tackle Jordan Mailata. Some suspected that Philadelphia may be aiming to draft a tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft in an attempt to find Johnson’s eventual successor, with Johnson heading into his age-34 season, but the team opted to prioritize defense early and often this weekend, instead.
Becton won’t be asked for much with his new team. Johnson and Mailata are still expected to start, and Becton will likely act as the primary swing tackle coming off the bench. He’ll compete for that role with veterans Le’Raven Clark and Fred Johnson, but both Clark and Johnson have established careers as backups over their years in the league. Becton’s experience as a full-time starter should win out. Perhaps, if Becton shows promise, he will fulfill the team’s need at tackle when Johnson eventually retires.
Let’s go. Stoutland will turn him around
Becton will get better coaching in Philadelphia and maybe he can become a productive player.
It’s not a coaching thing, it’s a player issue. Time will tell.
Correct, while the coaching of the o-line has been outstanding, sometimes they have nothing to work with like their own 1st round bust (Andre Dillard).
Mekhi was marred by injuries and his weight was an issue. I really wish it would have worked out here. That said, he was healthy last year and part of the reason our offensive line was porous. I hope he does well in Philly. I’m guessing he’s a backup swing tackle since y’all have Lane and Jordan M?
As a rookie he was in the top half of the league for his position then back to back big injuries and some personal problems it seems.
No doubt he’s got the potential, he’s now got a great group of veterans ahead of him to learn from and no pressure to perform week in, I love this landing spot for him. Should he do well he could be the long term RT after Johnson.
I’ve praised Howie for having a strong offseason but he seems to having brain cramps with regards to the Jets. Becton won’t be helping the Eagles nearly as much as Reddick will be helping Gang Green.
You would think if anybody can straighten this guy out it would be by learning from Lane Johnson. Anyway it’s a way cheaper gamble they’re taking than the Jets did. It’s a shame when a guy has all the talent in the world and basically zero desire to improve. Guess time will tell. You would think the Jets would have vetted this guy a lot better. There were certainly red flags about his weight before the draft which means he was an iffy pick. Hope he gets it together because now he has to claw for contracts.
Is any NFL team worse at drafting than the Jets?
Denver … the Giants … the Skins … the Cheatriots …
Yeah they’re all pretty bad too.
I always liked him, wondered what could have been if he didn’t have those injuries. I think the personal problems are overblown a bit. His draft day video with his family was nice. I think he will do well with the Eagles.
Contract value? Price is the deciding factor to know if this flyer is worth it.