After four years with the New York Jets, Mekhi Becton, the offensive tackle, is set to embark on a new chapter in his NFL career. His agents disclosed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Becton intends to ink a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with the Philadelphia Eagles, pending a medical examination on Monday.
In Philadelphia, Becton is slated to serve as the team’s swing tackle, providing backup for left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson.
Selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Becton’s journey with the Jets was marked by highs and lows. Despite a promising rookie season that hinted at his potential as the Jets’ future franchise left tackle, Becton grappled with knee injuries that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
His return in 2023 was met with fluctuating performance, as he participated in 95 percent of the team’s offensive plays but accrued 12 accepted penalties, ranking him second in the league.
Throughout his tenure with the Jets, Becton’s on-field appearances were limited to just 31 games. Following the Jets’ decision to decline his fifth-year option, Becton entered unrestricted free agency.
Meanwhile, the Jets bolstered their offensive line with veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses during the offseason, along with drafting Olumuyiwa Fashanu, a left tackle from Penn State, with the 11th overall pick in the most recent NFL draft.
Despite his injury setbacks, Becton remains a formidable force on the field, possessing the size and skills requisite for success as an NFL offensive tackle. As he joins the Eagles, the 6’7″ powerhouse aims to utilize the 2024 season as an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities, viewing it as a “prove-it” year before potentially exploring free agency once again in the following offseason.
