Mekhi Becton hasn't been as advertised for the LA Chargers this season. After being the most expensive signing in an offseason where the Bolts had the second-most cap space in the league, Becton's fall from grace has been disappointing.
Becton's tenure in Los Angeles has been disappointing personally, as well. Although it seems to go much deeper than just his overall performance.
Becton recently spoke with ESPN's Kris Rhim, who put together a story highlighting Becton's troubling 2025 season. The 2020 first-round pick didn't pull any punches when speaking with Becton, and did not hesitate to publicly question his own team and how they've handled him this season.
The fifth-year guard, who has dealt with numerous injuries in the past, has not been happy with how the Chargers have handled his injuries. Becton told Rhim that the way the Chargers handle injuries is "done a different way" than he's used to. In saying that, Becton also sent a loud and clear message to his team.
"Just stay healthy and try to finish every game — if I'm allowed"
The passive-aggressive quotes don't stop there. When asked why he has sat out seemingly random snaps at various points this season, Becton was rather straightforward that he is not the one that can answer the question.
"That's an upstairs question. You got to ask them. That's something they come up with. So I don't know," Becton told Rhim.
This story stems from a sideline outburst Becton had against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. Becton was temporarily benched for Jamaree Salyer in a move fans assumed was injury-related. Becton had an emotional reaction on the sideline, and eventually came back into the game. That moment may have been the straw that broke the camel's back, hence the straightforward comments made to ESPN.
"On game day, we usually don't come out, so that's just something new to me," Becton said. "So I just showed my emotions."
Chargers may be forced to bench Mekhi Becton after public backlash
Becton airing out his grievances to one of the team's beat reporters is likely going to have ripple effects. Jim Harbaugh attempts to run a tight ship in Los Angeles and is not one to get in a public spat with one of his own players.
Given Becton's struggles this season, highlighted by the third-worst Pro Football Focus grade among guards this season, the Chargers may not have any patience for this off-the-field drama. The Chargers won't lose much if they bench Becton, although it would complicate things down the line.
Jamaree Salyer is the team's primary backup guard but he's now starting at left tackle for the Bolts in Week 13. Foster Sarell or Andre James would theoretically be the next options, although neither player elicits much confidence.
The Chargers could start Salyer at right guard and entrust Bobby Hart to continue his somewhat decent play at left tackle. But Hart hasn't been seen yet since suffering an injury, so it's unclear if that's even a tangible option for the Bolts.
Regardless, Becton made an already tricky offensive line situation for the Chargers even worse. His public backlash won't go over well in the Chargers' building, and may have just guaranteed that 2025 is his only season in powder blue.