Following the conclusion of the NFL Draft and the fulfillment of various team needs, Mekhi Becton, the former standout offensive tackle from Louisville, has secured a new professional home.
Having spent his initial four seasons with the New York Jets, Becton is set to join the Philadelphia Eagles on a free agent deal, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The agreement, a one-year contract valued at up to $5.5 million, is pending completion of a physical examination scheduled for Monday.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1784719562820223436
Becton, standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 363 pounds, exhibited promise from the outset of his career after being chosen by the Jets in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie campaign featured 14 appearances, with 13 starts, establishing him as the 31st overall tackle according to Pro Football Focus.
However, subsequent seasons were marred by injury setbacks. A knee cap dislocation and MCL sprain prematurely ended his 2021 season in Week One, followed by an avulsion fracture of the knee cap during 2022 training camp, resulting in his absence for the entirety of that year.
Compounded by ongoing injury concerns, the Jets opted not to exercise the fifth-year option on Becton’s rookie contract last offseason. Despite the challenges, Becton adapted by transitioning to right tackle during his final season in New York, starting in all 16 games.
During his collegiate tenure at Louisville, the Highland Springs, Va. native demonstrated his durability and skill, starting in all 33 games he participated in. His contributions were instrumental in bolstering the Cardinals’ offense, earning him accolades such as First Team All-ACC honors as a junior and the prestigious 2019 ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
