The reality of the Philadelphia Eagles’ elite offensive line is that success often comes at a cost—you simply can’t keep everyone.
It’s a good problem to have, but that doesn’t make it any easier when a talented player like guard Mekhi Becton departs. The former first-round pick signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 14, leaving a void in the Eagles’ line.
Becton’s career was at a crossroads when he joined Philadelphia on a one-year, $2.75 million contract in March 2024 after four injury-riddled seasons with the New York Jets. A switch from tackle to guard and a Super Bowl victory later, Becton became one of the most sought-after interior linemen in free agency.
Replacing Becton won’t be easy, but the Eagles are still in a strong position.
“After losing free-agent OL Mekhi Becton to the Chargers, as @Tim_McManus reported, the Eagles are now poised to have 2026 compensatory picks in rounds 3, 4, 5, and 6,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X on March 15. “They also already had the Jets’ 3 in 2026 from the Haason Reddick trade. They now are expected to have five of the top 100 picks and 12 total selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
That’s a significant haul—one that general manager Howie Roseman could turn into valuable assets across multiple positions.
Becton’s Career Revival in Philadelphia
Becton can take pride in one of the most impressive career turnarounds for an offensive lineman in recent memory.
Drafted 11th overall by the Jets in 2020, he was a full-time starter as a rookie but played just one game across the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to knee injuries. He returned in 2023 to play 16 games but struggled, prompting the Jets to decline his fifth-year option. That decision led him to Philadelphia, where he thrived under Roseman’s guidance.
Now 25, the 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman joins an ascending Chargers team under second-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Becton has also solidified himself as one of the NFL’s top guards—his 75.2 overall grade from PFF in 2024 ranked 21st out of 135 eligible players at his position.
Eagles Invest Heavily in Their Offensive Line
Philadelphia’s commitment to its offensive line is evident in its payroll, and it’s a major reason behind the team’s success. Their investment has not only delivered a second Super Bowl in the past decade but also helped Saquon Barkley become just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
Three of the Eagles’ five starting linemen are on lucrative deals: left tackle Jordan Mailata (three years, $66 million), left guard Landon Dickerson (four years, $84 million), and right tackle Lane Johnson (four years, $80.7 million).
Another payday could be on the horizon for center Cam Jurgens, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.75 million rookie contract and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
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