Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly close to signing former New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton to a one-year, $5.5 million contract, subject to a physical on Monday.
The 2020 Jets selected Mekhi Becton in the first round of the draft. Despite dealing with ailments, he had an excellent debut season with the Jets, and his performance never quite lived up to it. Based on Schefter’s report, the Eagles anticipate that Becton will play swing tackle in 2024.
![Schefter] Offensive line help in Philadelphia: Former Jets first-round draft choice Mekhi Becton plans to sign a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million with the Eagles, pending a physical Monday, per](https://external-preview.redd.it/schefter-offensive-line-help-in-philadelphia-former-jets-v0-0GGF0gS9Bbk3CTn8je7BgJcVCo41P5B1De0eMIfcUfY.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ea33d3ff70397409c6ea13ff03638a130b6af9c0)
Because of Becton’s talent, this is an interesting pickup for the Eagles. After the injuries began involving the Jets, everything just went south. Schefter reports that Becton’s signing was supported by Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach for Philadelphia.
After players fail to live up to their potential with other clubs, Jeff Stoutland has a history of developing offensive line talent and bringing them in. Because of that, this is an interesting signing.
With one of the best offensive lines in the league for many years, Philadelphia also often prioritizes depth on the field. It’s demonstrated by Becton’s signature. Though the line may appear slightly different with Jason Kelce gone from the Eagles next season, Stoutland has more than enough quality to carry it through.
It is clear from observing the Eagles’ offensive line exactly what Becton will be doing. He will be Philadelphia’s swing tackle, as Schefter said. Right to left, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, and Lane Johnson should make up the offensive line as it is right now.
Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, and Tyler Steen ought to be confined inside. Jurgens will take up Kelce’s center field role, while Dickerson recently signed a big contract.
One of the best tackle tandems in the NFL, Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, will be the Eagles’ starting line-up in 2024. Mailata’s narrative demonstrates Stoutland’s ability to nurture skill.
On the opposite side of the line, Johnson is 33 years old and has struggled with injuries throughout his career, whereas Mailata is still only 27 years old and has many years left in the NFL. Despite his history of persevering through injuries, it is not implausible that Johnson will miss a few games this season.
During training camp and the preseason with the Eagles, Becton will have an opportunity to showcase his improvements; he may even get an opportunity to do so during the regular season.
