Getty Image / Adam Hunger
The Philadelphia Eagles stumbled down the stretch last year, losing 6 of their last 7 games after a 10-1 start. They needed a s strong offseason to return to Super Bowl contention, and they’ve done just that.
That strong offseason continued on Sunday when they signed former New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal.
Eagles are signing former Jets LT Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5M. Becton, just 25 years old, was the No. 11 overall pick in 2020 but has been unable to stay healthy.
A high-upside project for Jeff Stoutland.
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) April 28, 2024
Becton has spent four years with the New York Jets after they made him the 11th-overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Louisville. At a behemoth 6-foot-7 and 364lb, he ran an impressive 5.10 40-yard dash in the pre-draft process and his tape at Louisville showed an incredible athlete that dominated at times.
Early returns with the Jets were pretty good. Becton started 13 games as a rookie. While he had struggles that all young left tackles go through, there was no reason to think he wouldn’t be a star
But, injuries plagued Becton. He suffered an injury in Week 1 of the 2021 season that kept him out for the remainder of the year. Then, in 2022, he broke his kneecap, and missed the entire year. Becton did stay reasonably healthy in 2023, starting in 16 games. But, his rust showed and his play really suffered. The Jets didn’t pick up his fifth-year option, a choice they had to make prior to the 2023 season. He languished in free agency until now.
But, this is still a superb move by the Philadelphia Eagles. Few teams in the league have done better at developing offensive linemen than the Philadelphia Eagles. Plus, Becton turned 25-years-old earlier this month. This is a young player that can still improve and won’t be asked to start. Philadelphia is set at both tackle positions in LT Jordan Mailata and RT Lane Johnson.
Overall, a shrewd move by Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman.