Former First-Round Pick Signs Contract With Philadelphia Eagles

Mekhi Becton, Philadelphia Eagles, Agree to Contract

After battling injuries over the past two seasons, Mekhi Becton finally stayed on the field during the final year of his contract. While he battled an ankle injury, the left tackle managed to start in 16 of a possible 17 games. While he managed to stay healthy, several other key players did not for the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers notably tore his Achilles after just four plays, effectively ending New York’s season before it ever began.

Mekhi Becton originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Selected by the New York Jets, the 6′-7″, 363-pound Louisville product showed plenty of promise as a rookie. Appearing in 14 games while making 13 starts, Becton helped keep then-Jets quarterback Sam Darnold upright for the entirety of his rookie season. In total, Becton finished his inaugural campaign with 74.4 PFF grade, good for the 31st-best mark out of 79 eligible offensive linemen.

Unfortunately, disaster struck over the next two seasons. Becton appeared in just one game in 2021 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Originally believed to be a relatively small injury, the offensive lineman suffered cartilage damage which required surgery.

The following offseason, the Jets slid Becton over to the right side of the offensive line. This proved to be a questionable move, as the Louisville product suffered a season-ending kneecap fracture during training camp. Becton later blamed the injury on the switch in positions, as he was placing more weight on the bad knee.

Since signing his rookie contract, Mekhi Becton has appeared in 31 games while making 30 starts. During his four years in the league, the offensive lineman has yet to make the playoffs.