Chargers are paying $20M to learn what Jets already knew about Mekhi Becton

The Los Angeles Chargers thought they were buying a comeback story when they handed Mekhi Becton a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason. Instead, they got exactly what the New York Jets already knew.

Becton’s tenure in New York was defined by flashes of potential ultimately derailed by injuries and inconsistencies, and so far in Los Angeles, it’s been more of the same from the former first-round pick.

Becton has battled through multiple injuries in his first year with the Chargers. He missed the team's Week 4 game with a concussion, suffered a hand injury that forced him to play with a club on his hand, and sustained an ankle injury in last night's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

That’s now three injuries for Becton in just eight weeks, and given his extensive history, it unfortunately shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. But it hasn’t just been the injuries. Even when on the field, Becton has struggled, failing to live up to expectations and grading out among the worst players at his position.

Mekhi Becton's second post-Jets stint isn't going so well

Becton's 41.0 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 74th out of 78 qualified offensive guards and is easily on pace to be the worst of his NFL career. Perhaps most surprisingly, his 40.4 PFF run-block grade ranks 71st out of 75 qualifiers.

Becton has been one of the worst guards in the NFL in 2025. His performance has been a far cry from what he put on tape in his first year as a full-time guard with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

The former Louisville star experienced a resurgence as a member of the Eagles in 2024, starting 15 games at right guard and helping form one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Becton was able to play alongside stalwarts like Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata, while learning under the tutelage of likely the best offensive line coach in the NFL in Jeff Stoutland.

Unfortunately, his experience in Los Angeles has been very different. The Chargers have battled significant injuries along their offensive line, with both star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt missing considerable time due to injury this season. The performance of the entire unit has suffered as a result.

The good news for the Chargers is that there's only $2.5 million in guarantees remaining on Becton's contract after this season, so it seems reasonable to believe that the team will opt to release him in the offseason if he continues to struggle.

Becton's career resurgence in Philadelphia helped net him another starting opportunity with the Chargers, but after this season, it remains to be seen if any team will be willing to give him another chance.

Here's to hoping he finds a way to stay healthy and play his best football down the stretch.