If the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to reunite with Mekhi Becton this offseason, the door might be swinging wide open.
Word out of the Shrine Bowl is that the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to part ways with Becton after a rocky 2025 campaign. The former first-round pick, who once looked like he’d found new life in Philadelphia, seems to have regressed in L.A.
Despite starting 15 games, Becton struggled mightily in both run and pass protection, earning some of the lowest marks among all guards in the league. According to those close to the situation, the Chargers plan to opt out of the final year of his two-year deal - a move that would free up $9.7 million in cap space while saddling them with just $2.5 million in dead money.
That kind of cap relief makes the decision easier to understand, especially considering Becton’s performance. After helping the Eagles secure a Super Bowl LIX title during his one-year stint in Philly, Becton parlayed that success into a $20 million contract with the Chargers.
But the momentum didn’t carry over. His play slipped, and at one point, he was even benched.
He ended the year ranked 83rd out of 85 qualifying guards by Pro Football Focus - 84th in run blocking and 75th in pass protection. That’s a steep fall for a player who, just a year prior, was seen as a key contributor to a championship offensive line.
Back in Philadelphia, there’s certainly some nostalgia for the version of Becton that helped power the Eagles’ ground game during their title run. He was a difference-maker in the trenches, especially in the run game, where his size and power fit perfectly into Jeff Stoutland’s system.
But it’s not like the Eagles were left in shambles without him. His replacement, Tyler Steen, had his ups and downs but held his own - particularly in pass protection, where some believe he actually outperformed Becton.
Now, with Steen entering the final year of his rookie deal and eligible for an extension, the Eagles don’t appear to be in a rush to shake things up. Steen may not have the same ceiling as Becton at his best, but he’s been steady - and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need up front.
Still, there’s a potential fit for Becton in Philly, just not as a starter. With Brett Toth and Matt Pryor headed for free agency, and Fred Johnson also on an expiring deal (and reportedly eyeing a starting job elsewhere), the Eagles are light on proven depth along the interior offensive line. If Becton is open to returning in a swing guard/tackle role - similar to the one he embraced in 2024 - it could be a low-risk, high-upside reunion.
Of course, that hinges on one major factor: motivation. If Becton is serious about getting his career back on track, there’s no better place than under Jeff Stoutland’s watchful eye. But if the issues that plagued him in L.A. resurface, the Eagles would be wise to keep looking.
Bottom line: the Eagles don’t need Becton, but if the price is right and the mindset is right, a reunion could make sense - especially for a team that knows firsthand what he’s capable of when he’s locked in.