Philadelphia Eagles Set To Sign Former 1st-Round Pick After Missing Out Need In Draft

According to Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Eagles are set to sign Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. He needs to pass a physical before the deal becomes official. Per Schefter, Becton has a long history of injury:

The problems started in the 2021 opener, when a teammate rolled up his right leg. The team never ruled him out for the season, but he wound up missing the remainder of the campaign after an arthroscopic procedure. During the layoff, Becton’s weight ballooned to 400 pounds, with the team privately expressing concerns about his football future.

Becton’s first comeback didn’t last long, as he reinjured his right knee during the first week of the 2022 training camp. This time, it required major surgery. He blamed the coaches for the injury, saying their decision to switch him to right tackle put added stress on his surgically repaired right knee — a claim that was confirmed by his personal doctor.

With his career at a crossroads, Becton, 25, rededicated himself, dropped 50 pounds and reported to camp last summer at about 350 pounds. To the surprise of many, he won the right tackle job and made a seamless return to left tackle in Week 3, replacing the injured Duane Brown.

Becton was a 2020 first-round pick by the New York Jets

The Jets selected Becton with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Becton started in 16 games for the Jets last season.

Per Pro Football Focus, Becton earned a 53.2 overall grade for his play last season. He committed 18 penalties and gave up 12 sacks.

Schefter noted the Eagles were expected to add an offensive tackle in the draft, but none fell to them over the weekend.

The Eagles needed offensive line help after losing several key players from the 2023 squad. Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta left in free agency. Jason Kelce retired.

Philadelphia Eagles fans’ initial reactions to the signing

Here are the best takes of Eagles fans reacting to the move Sunday evening.