Eagles sign former top draft pick Mekhi Becton to one-year deal

The Philadelphia Eagles addressed a number of needs in the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing in several standout prospects including Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to help improve their secondary. And on Sunday, they addressed another potential need with a former first round pick that has not exactly lived up to expectations thus far in his career.

2020 first round pick Mekhi Becton was selected by the New York Jets with the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft in hopes that he could become a star left tackle for the organization.

He impressed in his rookie season, but has struggled with consistency and an inability to stay healthy. After his impressive rookie campaign, he missed all but one game in the 2021-22 season and then missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season.

Becton was able to bounce back and play in every game for the Jets this past season. But when it came time for the Jets to decide on his fifth-year option, the team opted to let him walk in free agency.

There is still seemingly some potential yet to be untapped if Becton can continue to stay healthy. And on Sunday, Eagles GM Howie Roseman decided to take a chance on the former top draft pick, signing him to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million pending a physical.

Offensive tackle isn’t exactly a huge need on paper for the Eagles at the moment. They have Jordan Mailata at left tackle who has thrived in the Eagles system as a starter, and All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson returning for what will be his 12th season with the organization.

However, rumors have circulated for quite some time now that Lane Johnson could be getting close to retirement.

For now, Becton will likely serve in a bench role behind Johnson and Mailata. But there are certainly some positives to this, as he will get to learn behind one of the best tackles in recent memory in Lane Johnson.

It’s only a one-year deal for Becton. But if the Eagles like what they see from him this coming season, we could very much see a scenario where Becton takes over for Johnson once he does eventually retire.

[ Adam Schefter on Twitter/X ]

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