Playing defensive line in the NFL can be a daunting task — especially when facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles’ formidable offensive line. One of the key reasons the Eagles have been so dominant in 2024 is the addition of 6-foot-7, 363-pound offensive guard Mekhi Becton, who was signed to a one-year, $2.75 million contract in April. Heading into a high-profile Week 13 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles are riding a 7-game win streak with a 9-2 record, and Becton’s performance has been a major factor in their success. His impact on the field is also drawing attention, with other teams now likely to pursue him in free agency.
According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be one of the teams interested in Becton. The Jaguars, who are expected to undergo some roster changes in the offseason, might be looking to improve their offensive line as part of a minor rebuild around their injury-prone quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Becton’s transformation in Philadelphia, where he switched from offensive tackle to guard, has been key to his resurgence. Under the tutelage of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Becton has stayed healthy and impressed in 2024, positioning himself for a lucrative contract in free agency.
Becton’s early career with the New York Jets was a far cry from the success he’s enjoying now. Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft (No. 11 overall) out of Louisville, Becton’s time with the Jets was marred by injuries and lackluster team performance. Over four seasons, the Jets posted a dismal 20-47 record, and Becton missed 33 consecutive games due to major knee injuries. He returned in 2023 to start 16 games, but his injuries led the Eagles to sign him at a bargain price. In 2024, Becton has excelled, earning a 75.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 10 starts.
On the field, Becton’s physicality and power have been eye-popping. As Sheil Kapadia noted on “The Ringer’s Philly Special” podcast, Becton has displayed moments where his sheer strength overpowers defenders, often sending them flying across the field. “When it hits for him, it really hits in a fun way,” Kapadia said. “When one big man is more powerful than the other big man, it really stands out.” Becton’s dominance has been a spectacle, adding to the excitement of a season where the Eagles’ offensive line has been nearly unstoppable.
Becton’s career turnaround has put him in a strong position to earn a hefty payday when he enters free agency. Despite his injury setbacks, the 25-year-old’s performance in 2024 has shown he’s back to his best, and teams will be willing to pay top dollar for his services. The Jets, who declined Becton’s $13.565 million fifth-year option in 2023, could soon regret that decision. As one of the top-performing guards in the league this season, Becton could command a contract that places him among the highest-paid players at his position. In 2024, the top 10 highest-paid right guards averaged an annual salary of $15 million, and Becton’s value is expected to rise significantly.
