Before free agency started, the Los Angeles Chargers parted ways with veteran offensive lineman Mekhi Becton.
That led to some immediate speculation on social media that perhaps Becton could reunite with the New York Jets this offseason. ESPN’s Rich Cimini responded to that notion pretty emphatically.
“I do not see Mekhi Becton coming back at all. I’m willing to bet anything on that. I know he has a Super Bowl ring, he had a good year for the [Philadelphia] Eagles, [but] he had a bad year in Los Angeles. He upset the team with his attitude. I think if Mekhi wants to continue his career has to get his priorities straight right now. The Jets have been down the road with Mekhi. I know it’s a new regime, I know it’s a new coaching staff, [but] I would be absolutely stunned if they went down that road. Even in a backup role,” Cimini explained on the “Flight Deck” podcast.
Chargers Cut Bait With Big Man
Becton, 26, will turn 27 before the start of the 2026 season. On Wednesday, March 4, the Chargers released the former Louisville product.
ESPN’s Kris Rhim described it as a “cost-cutting move.” The Chargers gained $9.7 million in cap space with the decision.
However, there were a lot of factors at play.
“Becton ranked as the 49th-worst guard in pass block win rate (91.2%) and the third-worst lineman (127th) in run block win rate (63.4%). He played just 72% of snaps in 2025 and played 100% of snaps in only six games. Becton appeared in 15 games — 14 starts — last season with the Chargers,” Rhim wrote.
It likely didn’t help matters that Becton complained about how the team was managing his health.
“Just stay healthy and try to finish every game — if I’m allowed,” Becton said of his goals for the rest of the season via Rhim in November of 2025.
During the season, Becton was yanked from a game “without explanation,” responding that “things are different around here” and “very frustrating for me” via Rhim.
There Is Just a Lot of History Between Becton and the Jets
Becton originally entered the league as the No. 11 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jets.
The talented big man oozes talent. He is listed at 6-foot-7 and weighs 363 pounds. There were moments when he was on the field that he dominated physically.
However, there were plenty of problems.
Becton struggled with his weight. He couldn’t stay on the field. Becton shared complaints about the Jets’ coaching and medical staff. He missed 36 games across his four seasons with the Jets.
The other problem is that the Jets have the offensive tackle box checked on the roster. Olu Fashanu is your left tackle, and Armand Membou is your right tackle.
Becton infamously tweeted and then deleted: “I. AM. A. LEFT. TACKLE” while a member of the Jets.
As soon as he left the Jets, he transitioned to guard with the Eagles. That delivered a career year for Becton, which led to a $20 million contract with the Chargers the following year.
Sure, the Jets have a void at guard, but Becton comes with a lot of baggage, and the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Insider Strongly Responds to Mekhi Becton Jets Free Agency Reunion Rumors