The Los Angeles Chargers have signed guard Mekhi Becton to a two-year, $20 million deal, addressing their significant interior offensive line weakness from last season. With new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team struggled with run blocking efficiency, ranking among the NFL’s worst. Becton, previously a first-round pick by the Jets and most recently a starter for the Super Bowl champion Eagles, excelled as a run blocker, finishing 24th in run block win rate. His performance may lead to the release of current guard Trey Pipkins III, saving the team $6.75 million. Becton’s move to guard has been a successful transition.
The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized a two-year agreement with guard Mekhi Becton, as announced by the team on Friday.
The contract is valued at $20 million, according to a source who informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Becton represents a crucial signing for the Chargers this free agency period. Last season, the team’s biggest vulnerability lay within the interior offensive line, hampering their ability to establish the effective rushing game that coach Jim Harbaugh envisioned due to several performance issues. The interior line ranked among the lowest in the NFL for run block win rate: center Bradley Bozeman (160th), left guard Zion Johnson (165th), and right guard Trey Pipkins III (188th).
Becton’s last season marked a significant turnaround in his career. Originally drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 2020 as a tackle, he transitioned to guard with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and became a formidable run blocker. Becton finished 24th in run block win rate among guards, far outperforming Johnson (43rd) and Pipkins (50th).
Having played at right guard in Philadelphia, Becton intends to remain at guard moving forward, according to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Tim McManus. This shift may prompt the Chargers to release Pipkins, resulting in a cap savings of $6.75 million.
Last offseason, Becton signed a one-year contract worth $2.75 million with the Eagles after enduring four injury-plagued years with the Jets.
With both tackle positions secured, the coaching staff opted to experiment with the 6-foot-7, 363-pound Becton at guard, a decision that proved successful. He secured the right guard position during training camp and ultimately started 15 regular-season games for the Super Bowl-winning Eagles.
As part of a powerhouse offensive line, he contributed to the success of MVP finalist and NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley.
Now 25, Becton started 30 games at tackle during his time with the Jets but missed nearly all of the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to knee injuries.