The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly preparing to release Super Bowl champion Mekhi Becton from their roster, according to NFL insider Evan Sidery. This strategic decision is anticipated to clear just under $10 million in salary cap space, providing head coach Jim Harbaugh with crucial financial flexibility for the upcoming offseason.
Becton's Brief Tenure with the Chargers
Mekhi Becton arrived in Los Angeles only twelve months ago, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. The 26-year-old offensive lineman signed a substantial two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers and started 15 games during the regular season, tasked with protecting star quarterback Justin Herbert.
A Disappointing Season for Los Angeles
Despite finishing second in the AFC West with an 11-7 record and securing playoff berths in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2006-2009, the Chargers' campaign ended in frustration. They were soundly defeated by the New England Patriots in the wildcard round, where the offensive line's vulnerabilities were starkly exposed.
In that playoff loss, the line crumbled against Mike Vrabel's Patriots defense, allowing Justin Herbert to be sacked six times. Throughout the regular season, Herbert endured an NFL-leading 129 hits, followed by another 11 in the postseason, highlighting persistent protection issues.
Injury Woes and Inconsistent Performance
The offensive line was plagued by injuries, including significant losses such as starting tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. This adversity forced the Chargers to deploy nine different offensive line combinations, each playing at least 50 snaps together, disrupting cohesion and performance.
Becton, who plays as a guard, struggled with his own injury concerns and inconsistent play during his time with the team. Originally drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft by the New York Jets, he spent four seasons there before joining the Eagles in 2024 and subsequently moving to the Chargers.
This roster move underscores the Chargers' urgent need to rebuild their offensive line and optimize resources under Jim Harbaugh's leadership, as they aim to address weaknesses and enhance competitiveness for the next NFL season.
