Former Eagles right guard Mekhi Becton has agreed to a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, the team announced Friday night.
At 25 years old, Becton revitalized his career with the Eagles during the 2024 season but is moving on after just one year in Philadelphia.
According to NFL Network, Becton signed a two-year contract with the Chargers valued at $20 million. With that deal, the Eagles are expected to receive a fifth-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Philadelphia is also projected to earn additional comp picks for Milton Williams (third round), Josh Sweat (fourth round), and Isaiah Rodgers (sixth round). So far, the Eagles have stayed quiet in free agency, focusing instead on affordable signings and developing their homegrown talent.
Originally a first-round pick, Becton didn’t join the Eagles until after last year’s draft, initially brought in as depth at tackle. Eventually, the team transitioned him to right guard, where he became the starter for 15 regular-season games and all four postseason matchups, including their Super Bowl LIX victory.
With Becton departing, the Eagles will be searching for a new starting right guard for the 2025 season.
Despite his exit, Becton had expressed interest in staying with Philadelphia, largely due to his respect for offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. His lone season with the team clearly had an impact.
“It meant a lot, man,” Becton said during locker cleanout day. “Looking back on the year, coming here not knowing what to expect. I was ready for my opportunity, and when it came early, I embraced it.”
“I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress,” Becton said. “I spoke with Stout during my exit meeting, and he told me he’s seen a big improvement. Reflecting on the year and those conversations, I definitely believe I’ve grown a ton.”
Now, the top contender to take over at right guard is Tyler Steen, the 24-year-old former third-round pick out of Alabama in 2023. Steen appeared in all 17 games last season, starting twice. When given opportunities, he performed well and handled losing the starting job during training camp with a selfless, team-first mindset.
Steen (6-6, 321 pounds) was actually expected to be the starting right guard in 2024. But after suffering a minor ankle injury early in camp, the Eagles slid Becton into the spot, and he held onto it the rest of the season.
That doesn’t mean Steen will automatically inherit the role. Earlier this week, the Eagles acquired former first-round pick Kenyon Green in the trade that sent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson elsewhere. Green, the 15th overall pick from Texas A&M in 2022, has struggled so far in the NFL. But the Eagles hope he can turn things around under the guidance of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland—similar to the resurgence Becton enjoyed in Philly. Green (6-4, 325) has only played left guard with the Texans, though the vacancy in Philadelphia is at right guard.
And with free agency still ongoing and the NFL Draft coming up next month, GM Howie Roseman may not be done adding competition to the mix.
Regardless, the Eagles are looking at another new Week 1 starter at right guard—continuing a revolving door at the position since Brandon Brooks’ prime years:
- 2024: Mekhi Becton
- 2023: Cam Jurgens
- 2022: Isaac Seumalo
- 2021: Brandon Brooks
- 2020: Nate Herbig
- 2019: Brandon Brooks
Despite Becton’s departure, the Eagles’ offensive line remains in strong shape, returning four of their five starters: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Lane Johnson.
Becton is the latest member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl roster to depart in free agency. Others include Milton Williams (Patriots), Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Darius Slay (Steelers—released before signing there), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Oren Burks (Bengals), and Kenny Gainwell (Steelers).
