Quite a few NFL pundits have high hopes for fifth-round rookie guard Beau Stephens with the Seattle Seahawks. But Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton doesn’t appear to be one of them, as Moton named the Seahawks one of two potential suitors for veteran guard Mekhi Becton.
The BR analyst included Becton on his list of seven bargain free agents still available this July.
“Although Becton started in 14 of 15 outings with the Chargers, he battled knee and hand injuries that may have affected his performances. The 6’7″, 363-pound guard also suffered a concussion last year. Los Angeles released him before free agency in March,” wrote Moton.
“Becton has an extensive injury history that dates back to his four-year stint with the New York Jets. Yet when healthy, the massive interior lineman can be an asset to a team that needs insurance for an underperforming starter or intends to feature a downhill ground attack in the upcoming campaign.”
Becton began his career as a highly regarded left tackle. Despite his 6-foot-7, 363-pound frame, he started the past two seasons at guard for the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers.
Becton won the Super Bowl as a 15-game starter for the Eagles during the 2024 campaign.
Why Seahawks Could Still Consider Adding Guard
GettyBleacher Report’s Moe Moton named the Seattle Seahawks a potential suitor for free agent guard Mekhi Becton.
Entering this offseason, the most obvious holes the Seahawks possessed were at running back and in the secondary. That’s because in NFL free agency, the team lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker along with defensive backs Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant.
The Seahawks, though, filled those holes in each of the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Seattle then signed veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler to address any remaining concerns with the team’s pass rush.
That has left pundits suggesting that maybe the Seahawks could pursue another offensive line upgrade for this fall.
Starting right guard Anthony Bradford remains the weakest link along the Seahawks offensive line entering July. Pro Football Focus rated Bradford one of the worst offensive linemen in the entire league during 2025.
Bradford particularly struggles in pass protection, but he’s a below average run blocker too. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, and probably won’t return to Seattle after 2026.
Stephens could potentially win the starting right guard job from Bradford. Instead of trusting a rookie, though, the Seahawks could add a massive veteran guard in Becton.
What Mekhi Becton Could Bring to Super Bowl Champions
GettyVeteran guard Mekhi Becton is a free agent this offseason after a disappointing campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Becton spent last season struggling in the AFC West. Moton, though, chalked that up to injuries.
The lineman has dealt with injuries throughout his career. So, trusting him as a potential starter comes with risk.
But in 2024, Becton was a solid starting right guard for the Super Bowl champion Eagles. During that season, Becton excelled at run blocking while paving the way for 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley.
If the Seahawks see Becton as a superior option to Bradford, the team could sign Becton to an affordable short-term deal. The two veterans could compete in training camp for the starting role at right guard.
Then next spring, unless one of them plays exceptionally well, the Seahawks could move forward with Stephens as their starting right guard in his second professional season.
The New York Jets selected Becton at No. 11 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former left tackle played well as a rookie but then only appeared in one game over the next two seasons because of injuries.
Last season, Becton started 14 games for the Chargers.
Seahawks Urged to Target 6-Foot-7 Super Bowl Champion as Bargain Free Agent