Team rosters are not complete after the conclusion of the NFL Draft. There’s still lot of veteran free agents available, which could fill gaps organizations didn’t address during the draft or early in free agency.
On Monday, Sports Illustrated’s Eva Geitheim named one move every NFL team should still execute after the 2026 NFL Draft. Geitheim picked bringing back veteran lineman Mekhi Becton as the move the Philadelphia Eagles should make.
“Becton had a rough 2025 campaign with the Chargers, but could be a useful piece for the Eagles in 2026,” wrote Geitheim. “Philadelphia dealt with several offensive line injuries last season, which hurt the offense’s performance.
“Becton played well for the Eagles when he was with the team in 2024, and though Philadelphia is changing its offensive scheme, he could still be a smart insurance piece if the Eagles deal with any more offensive line injuries.”
Coming off a strong 2024 campaign with the Eagles, Becton signed a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers last offseason. But after struggling in 14 starts, Becton reached free agency again in March with his Chargers release.
Becton started 15 games at right guard for the Eagles in 2024. He moved to guard after starting 30 contests at tackle for the New York Jets from 2020-23.
Why Eagles Could Pursue Guard Mekhi Becton
Becton arrived in New York with considerable hype as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 363 pounds, the lineman’s presence was supposed to be huge at left tackle from a literal and figurative standpoint
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Becton played very well as a rookie. But he appeared in only one game over the next two seasons because of knee injuries.
When he returned healthy during 2023, Becton fully transitioned to right tackle.
With the Eagles in 2024, Becton then moved to right guard. Under previous Philadelphia offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Becton excelled at guard. In particular, his size allowed him to become a run mauler for Saquon Barkley.
But Becton didn’t repeat that success with the Chargers. In need of revitalizing his career again this year, it would make sense for Becton to come back to Philadelphia.
The Eagles could be interested in additional offensive line depth. Starting left guard Landon Dickerson nearly retired this offseason because of 2024 ailments. Becton would offer more experience as a depth interior offensive lineman than Eagles sixth-round guard Micah Morris or undrafted free agent Jaeden Roberts.
Eagles Not Interested in Becton Reunion?
A Becton-Eagles reunion makes a lot of sense on paper. But Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline threw cold water on the idea at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in February.
“During Shrine Bowl week, I was told that Becton has returned to many of his former ways, including firing the agency that helped get his game back on track, and that has raised red flags with the Philadelphia Eagles,” Pauline wrote. “The Eagles were surprised (if not shocked) and disappointed by the turn of events.
“The fact that the Eagles parted ways with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland also has people here at the combine believing a potential reunion between Becton and Philadelphia is a reach at this point.”
That report actually came before the Chargers officially released Becton. But at the time, pundits expected Los Angeles to part with the veteran lineman.
Since his release, Becton is still in search of his next NFL opportunity. In all likelihood, Becton will probably have to sign a 1-year, prove-it deal this summer.
Should that be the case, Becton would come with low financial risk. But the Eagles bringing back the guard could still come with risk based on Pauline’s report.
Eagles Advised to Roll Dice on Reunion With Former $20 Million Starter