The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is searching for answers-and fast. While Jalen Hurts and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo are certainly part of the conversation, a lot of the current struggle starts up front.
The offensive line, once the engine of this team’s identity, hasn’t been opening up the same kind of lanes in the run game that we’ve come to expect. Through this point in the season, the Eagles are averaging just 108.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 22nd in the league.
That’s a far cry from the bruising ground attack that helped carry them to a Super Bowl not long ago.
So, what’s missing? Well, one name that could be back on the Eagles’ radar: Mekhi Becton.
Yes, that Mekhi Becton-the towering offensive tackle who found new life in Philadelphia after a rocky start to his NFL career. And based on the current situation unfolding with the Los Angeles Chargers, a reunion might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
Trouble in L.A.
Becton’s time with the Chargers has taken a turn. In Week 11, during a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Becton was pulled in the second quarter and replaced by Jamaree Salyer. The frustration was written all over his face on the sideline, and he didn’t hold back postgame.
“Just stay healthy and try to finish every game - if I’m allowed,” Becton said, clearly unhappy with the decision. He added that “things are different around here” and called the situation “very frustrating.”
That frustration might be bleeding into his play. Becton has logged 72% of the Chargers’ offensive snaps this season, but the performance hasn’t matched the volume. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s posted a career-low 40.8 run-blocking grade and a 50.0 pass-blocking grade-numbers that reflect a player struggling to find his footing.
With that kind of output and visible discontent, the Chargers could be looking to move on. Releasing or trading Becton in the offseason would free up $10 million in cap space, per Spotrac. That’s not a small number, and it could be enough incentive for Los Angeles to cut ties.
Why Philly Makes Sense
Here’s where it gets interesting for Philadelphia. Becton wasn’t just a body on the line during his time with the Eagles-he was a key part of their Super Bowl-winning formula.
After years of injury setbacks and inconsistent play elsewhere, he found stability and success in Philly. Sometimes, a player just needs the right environment to thrive, and Becton seemed to find that in the Eagles’ system.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are in need of a spark in the trenches. Saquon Barkley hasn’t suddenly forgotten how to run the football, but he’s not getting the kind of help he needs up front.
Guards Tyler Steen and Landon Dickerson have been serviceable, but the line as a whole isn’t dominating the way it once did. That’s where a player like Becton-6-foot-7, 363 pounds of raw power-could make a difference.
He was a tone-setter last season, a physical presence who helped the Eagles control the line of scrimmage. That version of Becton was the best we’ve seen from him in his NFL career. And if the Chargers are ready to move on, the Eagles might be wise to bring him back into the fold.
The Bottom Line
Philadelphia’s offense isn’t broken beyond repair, but it’s clear something needs to change. The run game is sputtering, and the line isn’t playing up to its usual standard. Bringing back a familiar face like Mekhi Becton-someone who’s already proven he can thrive in this system-could be a smart, calculated move.
If Los Angeles continues to sideline him, don’t be surprised if Howie Roseman picks up the phone. The Eagles have a history of getting the most out of players others have given up on. And if Becton wants to get back to playing his best football, there may be no better place than right where he left off.