Quick Read
- The Los Angeles Chargers plan to release offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, saving $9.7 million in cap space.
- Becton struggled in his single season with the Chargers, ranking low in run and pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus.
- The move is partly driven by a shift to a new offensive scheme under coordinator Mike McDaniel, which favors agile linemen.
- Becton will avoid a $2.5 million roster bonus and a $1 million bonus due in March.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly planning to release offensive lineman Mekhi Becton in the coming days, a move that will save the franchise $9.7 million in salary cap space. The decision follows Becton’s challenging single season with the team and aligns with a strategic shift in their offensive philosophy, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday.
Becton, 26, signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the Chargers last March, but his tenure was marked by struggles and injuries. His release comes as the team aims to reconfigure its offensive line and maximize cap flexibility ahead of the NFL free agency period.
Mekhi Becton’s Performance and Injury Woes
Mekhi Becton’s career has been a tumultuous journey since he was selected as the No. 11 overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft. After four injury-plagued seasons with the Jets, including missing the entire 2022 campaign and playing only one game in 2021, he had a brief revival with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 before joining the Chargers in 2025.
Despite appearing in 15 games and making 14 starts for the Chargers last season, Becton’s performance did not meet expectations. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 81st among guards in run blocking (34.3) and 72nd in pass blocking (45.2). He allowed three sacks and 37 total pressures, contributing to the Chargers’ offensive line issues, which notably saw quarterback Justin Herbert sacked six times in their playoff loss to the New England Patriots.
ESPN further highlighted Becton’s struggles, noting he ranked as the 49th-worst guard in pass block win rate (91.2%) and the third-worst lineman (127th) in run block win rate (63.4%). He played only 72% of snaps in 2025, reaching 100% of snaps in just six games, and voiced frustration with the team last November, as reported by Field Level Media.
Chargers’ Salary Cap and Scheme Change
The financial implications of Becton’s release are significant for the Chargers. By cutting him, the team avoids a $2.5 million roster bonus due on March 13 and another $1 million bonus on March 15. This move frees up $9.7 million in cap space, a crucial sum as general manager Joe Hortiz looks to address the team’s needs, particularly along the offensive front. The Chargers will incur a $2.5 million dead cap charge in 2026, but the overall savings are substantial.
Beyond performance and salary, a fundamental change in offensive philosophy also played a role in the decision. Under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers employed a gap-scheme offense that favored large, physical linemen like the 6-foot-7, 363-pound Becton. However, new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who replaced Roman, is known for implementing fast, outside-zone running schemes that demand quick, agile linemen. This shift in scheme made Becton less of a fit for the team’s future plans, as noted by ESPN and the New York Post.
What’s Next for Mekhi Becton and the Chargers Offensive Line
With his impending release, Mekhi Becton will be looking for his fourth team in four years, entering the open market again. His talent, combined with his persistent injury concerns and inconsistent play, makes his next destination uncertain. Despite these challenges, he was part of a Super Bowl-winning team during his lone season with the Eagles, a testament to his potential when healthy and in the right system.
For the Chargers, the freed-up cap space provides an opportunity to bolster an offensive line that has been a consistent point of concern. The team also needs to replace center Bradley Bozeman, who announced his retirement in February. The $9.7 million in savings will be critical in acquiring outside additions to support Justin Herbert and improve the team’s ability to compete after consecutive AFC Wild Card Round exits.
The strategic decision to release Mekhi Becton underscores the Los Angeles Chargers’ commitment to rebuilding their offensive line with players who align not only with performance expectations but also with the specific demands of their new offensive scheme, signaling a clear direction for the franchise in the upcoming season.