Los Angeles Chargers Sign Guard Mekhi Becton to Two-Year Deal
On March 14, 2025, the Los Angeles Chargers announced the signing of guard Mekhi Becton to a two-year contract. This move comes as the team seeks to strengthen its interior offensive line, which has been identified as a critical issue following last season’s performance.
Addressing a Key Weakness
Last season, the Chargers faced significant challenges in their interior offensive line, hampering their ability to establish a productive rushing attack envisioned by head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team’s interior linemen, including center Bradley Bozeman, left guard Zion Johnson, and right guard Trey Pipkins III, ranked among the lowest in the NFL for run block win rate.
- Center Bradley Bozeman: Ranked 160th
- Left Guard Zion Johnson: Ranked 165th
- Right Guard Trey Pipkins III: Ranked 188th
Becton’s Career Comeback
Mekhi Becton has experienced a turnaround in his career after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the New York Jets as a tackle. Adjusting to a guard position with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Becton demonstrated his value as a formidable run blocker, finishing 24th in run block win rate amongst guards, outperforming both Johnson and Pipkins.
At 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 363 pounds, Becton brings significant size and skill to the Chargers’ offensive line. His experience from the previous season with the Eagles—where he played a pivotal role in the team’s Super Bowl run—could provide the Chargers with the competitive edge they need.
Impact on the Team’s Roster
During his time with Philadelphia, Becton won the starting right guard position, contributing to an offensive line renowned for its effectiveness. The Eagles finished in the top 10 for both pass block (67%) and run block (72%) win rates. This significant performance has led to speculation regarding the potential release of Trey Pipkins III, which could save the Chargers $6.75 million against the cap.
Injury History and Future Prospects
Becton’s early career has been marred by injuries, as he started only one game in the 2021 and 2022 seasons after missing significant time due to knee issues. However, he rebounded last season with the Eagles, starting 15 regular-season games and showcasing his resilience.
Conclusion
The addition of Mekhi Becton is a strategic move for the Los Angeles Chargers as they aim to bolster their offensive line ahead of the upcoming season. With their focus on improving the rushing attack and overall performance, Becton’s contributions could prove invaluable as the team seeks to make an impact under Coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.
Report contributed by ESPN’s Tim McManus.