Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz didn't explicitly say that left right guard Mekhi Becton's future with the club is up in the air. However, the nonanswer when addressing the matter was telling enough.
Barring any shocking developments, Becton will be released in the coming weeks following a woeful first (and likely only) season with the Chargers. He's openly expressed frustration with the coaching staff and how the team handled his injuries. Hortiz's unwillingness to admit as such during his press conference at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is only delaying what seems inevitable.
It feels safe to say that Becton hasn't met the expectations of the two-year, $20 million contract the Chargers signed him to last March. It's also reasonable to assume he won't get a shot at redemption in Los Angeles. His presumed unceremonious exit creates another void along an offensive line that notably just lost veteran center Bradley Bozeman to retirement.
The Chargers must rearrange the deck chairs of the sinking ship that's quickly becoming their interior O-line. Enter Penn State's Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane, who has the pedigree and skill set to slot in as an immediate Becton replacement.
Penn State star OG Olaivavega Ioane profiles as Chargers' perfect Mekhi Becton replacement
Ioane has been a popular target for the Chargers at No. 22 overall, and FanSided's most recent three-round mock draft is no different. It's easy to see why, too, since Becton is as good as gone.
A run-first head coach who's obsessed with his quarterback in the best way possible, like Jim Harbaugh, will quickly fall in love with Ioane. The Chargers desperately need someone who can not only help keep Justin Herbert clean and upright but also thrive as a road paver. We've seen the Nittany Lions standout do that in spades.
Since becoming a full-time starter at Penn State as a redshirt sophomore, Ioane has been nothing short of dominant. He earned an All-Big Ten second team bid in 2024 and first team honors in 2025. His efforts in throwing and rushing situations were equally impressive, which the numbers bear out.
Across 11 games this season, Ioane didn't give up a single sack ($) or quarterback hit while allowing only four total pressures and committing one penalty. He was Pro Football Focus' 13th-highest graded guard (80.0) out of 686 qualified options. The tape speaks for itself, showcasing his tremendous blend of athleticism, power, balance and size (6-foot-4, 323 pounds).