Potential Jets reunion with Mekhi Becton would make absolutely no sense

The New York Jets have plenty of holes on their roster heading into free agency, but luckily, only one on their offensive line.

Four of the five spots are set, with Olu Fashanu, Josh Myers, Joe Tippmann, and Armand Membou starting from left to right. The only question remains at left guard.

Incumbent starter John Simpson, along with former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker, are both impending free agents. Both offensive linemen are expected to test the free agent market, and there's no guarantee either will return to the Jets.

If both end up finding new homes, could the Jets turn to a familiar face to fill their final guard spot?

Jets floated as free agent destination for former first-round pick Mekhi Becton

Nick Faria of Jets X Factor believes former 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton could be a cost-effective option to be the Jets' final offensive lineman. He was released by the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday.

"Becton’s time in Philly resurrected his career, highlighting how a position change could alter a player’s trajectory. Now, as a guard, Becton’s pure strength and size fit well for teams looking for physical offensive linemen in free agency. Many Jets fans won’t be thrilled to see Becton’s name on a list of free agent potential candidates, but it’s a possibility that makes sense all around."

Nick Faria

In a vacuum, you can see how Faria's reasoning makes sense. Becton is going to have to sign a one-year, prove-it deal to show he still has what made him great with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.

But with the Jets? It just sounds like a recipe for disaster. Sure, he could just be competition for a draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, but his attitude problems would surely rear their ugly head in the event of a benching.

Even if he does win a camp battle for a starting spot, can he be relied on to start every week of a 17-game season? Almost certainly not. The former Louisville standout has never stayed healthy for a full season in his six-year career.

If the Jets are going to take a gamble on any high-upside, injury-prone offensive lineman, it should be Vera-Tucker. Despite his injuries, you're at least guaranteed a player with high character. The former first-round pick was voted an offensive captain over the summer before his season-ending triceps injury.

Darren Mougey would be wise to stay away from any Joe Douglas mistakes, and this is a market he should certainly pass on, no matter the price.