The Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line faced challenges this past season, falling short of the high standards set in recent years. With the departure of right guard Mekhi Becton to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Eagles had to adjust, bringing Tyler Steen, a former third-round pick, into a starting role.
Steen's first year as a full-time starter showed promise, with a solid 74.0 pass-blocking grade and a 71.8 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. While he was penalized nine times, he only allowed two sacks, indicating a strong foundation to build upon.
On the flip side, Becton's transition to the Chargers didn't go as planned. His performance dipped, posting a 45.2 pass-blocking grade and a 34.3 run-blocking grade, compounded by injury issues. There's talk of him being a potential cut candidate, sparking speculation about a possible return to Philly.
However, Eagles GM Howie Roseman put that idea to rest, emphasizing the talent already present on the line. "We got four Pro Bowl players coming back on our offensive line, which is exciting," Roseman stated. He highlighted the potential of young players like Steen and pointed out that the team hasn't yet explored free agency or the draft.
Bringing Becton back might sound appealing, but it could hinder Steen's development, which isn't the root of the Eagles' struggles. The real issues last season were injuries and inconsistent play, particularly with penalties and finishing plays.
With a new offensive line coach, Chris Kuper, taking over from Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles are looking for a fresh start. Success in 2026 hinges on the health of key players like Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, and Landon Dickerson. If they can stay healthy, along with improved performances from Jordan Mailata and continued growth from Steen, the Eagles' offensive line could see a strong resurgence.