The Los Angeles Chargers need to make major changes to their offensive line this offseason. That starts with letting Mekhi Becton go.
The move would, obviously, be an unfortunate one. After a career-reviving season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, expectations were high for Becton when he signed with Los Angeles in free agency. His two-year, $20 million deal reflected that.
But he struggled to find his footing in 2025, dealing with various injuries throughout the course of the year and overall failing to find his fit in the Chargers' scheme.
Mike McDaniel's scheme is dependent upon mobile offensive lineman who can execute his creative run game and provide reliable pass protection. Becton's fit will soon be even murkier than it was in his first season with the Chargers.
With two bonus deadlines looming in March, it's reasonable to expect that Becton will not be with the team much longer.
Mekhi Becton's release will likely come in the next couple of weeks
It's not worth re-hashing the entirety of Becton's poor 2025 performance here, but it is worth at least revisiting some of the numbers.
Per Pro Football Focus, Becton was the third-worst guard in the NFL by overall protection grade. He allowed three sacks and 37 pressures through the 15 games he played in, tacking on five penalties to go along with his abysmal protection rate,
With ample options available in the draft and free agency, it makes little sense to take a gamble on Becton regaining his form. Los Angeles will incur only a $2.5 million dead cap hit were they to cut him this offseason.
The reason this decision will likely be coming soon is that two roster bonuses are due to Becton in March: a $2.5 million bonus on March 13 and a $1 million bonus on March 15. ESPN writer Kris Rhim highlighted this fact in his recent piece on the Chargers' offseason plans, although he did not outright say that Becton's release is impending.
But Becton's time in Los Angeles is rapidly coming to an end, no matter how you spin it.
Perhaps his performance would have been better with Alt available on the right side of the line and a capable center next to him. Another team will likely see the upside and take another swing on Becton this offseason.
There still remains a small chance, moreover, that they're able to deal him for minimal draft capital rather than outright release him.
But the Chargers can't really afford to bet on a hypothetical resurgence for Becton. As unfortunate as it is, his time has come.