It's time for the NY Jets to move on from Mekhi Becton this offseason

When the NY Jets drafted Mekhi Becton in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, there was plenty of optimism that the team had found their long-term left tackle of the future. In his first season with the Jets, Becton showed a lot of potential and looked the part of a future building block.

Sadly, things would go downhill after his rookie season. After just playing in one game between 2021 and 2022, Becton would finally find himself healthy again this year. Despite the Jets seemingly having faith in the 24-year-old tackle, Becton has fallen short of expectations in 2023.

The NY Jets should not re-sign Mekhi Becton

Becton had a lot riding on this season. 2023 was supposed to be his "put up or shut up" year. Unfortunately for Becton, his performance has shown the latter. Despite being one of the team's only healthy offensive linemen, Becton hasn't played well on the field.

This is, of course, taking nothing away from Becton's hard work off the field. He worked incredibly hard this past offseason to get into the best shape of his life. He made himself a promise that he was going to stay on the field in 2023, and he's done just that.

However, he has shown to be more of a liability than an asset to the Jets' offensive line, and ESPN's Rich Cimini is just one example of someone who sees the Jets moving on from Becton.

"I do not foresee Mekhi Becton going back to the Jets in any form next year. They are not going to tag him, I can tell you that much. I’d be really surprised if they signed him unless it was a one-year prove-it deal. Mekhi Becton is just not the Jets’ cup of tea, I think this coaching staff would like to move on. To be quite honest I think Mekhi Becton would like to move on as well and get a fresh start somewhere else."

- Rich Cimini

Becton has played 701 snaps this season, and according to Pro Football Focus, out of every offensive lineman in the NFL, Becton is tied for second with nine sacks allowed and tied for third in penalties with 10.

Between Becton's injury history and his lackluster on-field performance, there are not many reasons why the Jets should consider re-signing him this offseason.

The Jets will desperately need to go out and overhaul their offensive line this offseason, especially their offensive tackles. However, Becton should not be one of those pieces.

It's time to part ways with the once-promising tackle and move forward with a new offensive line to protect Aaron Rodgers next year.