Eagles land former Jets first-round pick Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sep. 24, 2023. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Mekhi Becton is heading down the New Jersey Turnpike to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Becton, a first-round pick of the Jets in 2020, is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, according to his agent, Alan Herman.
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland had been recruiting Becton in recent days. Stoutland is one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL and wanted to work with the 6-7 Becton, who has the size and talent to be a Pro Bowl tackle.
The Jets drafted Becton with the No. 11 pick four years ago, but injuries set back the big offensive tackle after a promising rookie season.
Becton suffered a right knee injury in Week 1 in 2021 and didn’t return that season. The following year, he injured the same knee in training camp and was lost for the season.
He slimmed down and returned to full strength last season, starting 16 games at both tackle positions. Becton, however, wasn’t expected to be back with the Jets, who have rebuilt the offensive line this offseason.
They acquired left tackle Tyron Smith, right tackle Morgan Moses and left guard John Simpson and drafted tackle Olu Fashanu out of Penn State with the No. 11 pick on Thursday.
Becton, 25, played 31 games in his four seasons with the Jets.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
