After a slow start in NFL free agency, the LA Chargers made what is still their biggest signing of the offseason with former Philadelphia Eagles guard, Mekhi Becton. Becton signed a two-year contract with the Chargers to start at right guard and shore up the offensive line.
The two-year deal was initially reported to be worth $20 million and more details have since emerged. With a more detailed look under the hood at the contract, the Becton signing somehow becomes even better for the Chargers.
Becton carries a cap hit less than his $10 million AAV in 2025 and if things go south, the Chargers have an easy out if need be. It's an incredible team-friendly deal for the Chargers with virtually no downside whatsoever.
Mekhi Becton will carry cap hits of $7.3 and $12.5 mil across his two year contract. The Chargers have an out after the season that would save $10 mil against the 2026 cap. Becton is due a $2.5 mil roster bonus if he is still on the team on the third day of the new league year. pic.twitter.com/SNHbUTrXj8
— Guilty As Charged Podcast (@GACPodcast17) March 26, 2025
Mekhi Becton's contract details make the signing even better for the Chargers
The Chargers have even more wiggle room to work with considering Becton's contract carries just a $7.32 million cap hit. According to Over The Cap, the Chargers have over $33 million in remaining cap space and could free up over $14 million more in space by extending Rashawn Slater.
More important is the out the Chargers have in the contract. Becton has to earn his keep in Los Angeles and if he regresses in any way the team can get out of the deal. The Chargers can cut Becton with only a $2.5 million dead cap hit in 2026, which is pennies.
Of course, the hope is that Becton continues his strong play and that won't even be a consideration for the Chargers. If that happens, then his $12.5 million cap hit in 2026 will still be a bargain as an above-average guard in the league.
Becton does have just one solid year of guard play under his belt so it is smart for the Chargers to bake in a safety net if need be. It's also surprising Becton would accept this kind of contract, considering he is coming off a career year with the Eagles.
Regardless, general manager Joe Hortiz has been masterful at navigating contracts in his year-plus with the Chargers and this is another example of that. The Chargers will save salary-cap space at every turn the team can, allowing Hortiz to build a deep roster full of talent.
The hope is that Hortiz is using these savvy contracts to save space for a bigger move on the horizon.