Eagles would be wise to protect Jalen Hurts by bringing back a familiar face

The Philadelphia Eagles had a monster of a season in 2024 and won the Super Bowl but failed to get to that level for the 2025 run. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and the team still rounded out the season with an 11-6 record and a NFC East title, but they didn't make it back to the big game.

But, that's in the past, and it's time to look to the future. The Eagles took care of business in the 2026 NFL Draft by using their first-round pick to snag USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, offering a new target for Hurts. But they need to do more. They need to protect Hurts so that, well, he doesn't get hurt.

One way to do this is by beefing up the depth of the guard position. Even though the team has its favorites to start, it still needs to strengthen the interior offense line to protect Hurts and keep the offense acting instead of reacting.

Eagles could sign an available free agent, a familiar face, to help with guard depth

On Monday, ESPN's Matt Bowen paied the Eagles with available free agent guard Mekhi Becton. He was last with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, but before then, he was with the Eagles and Jets and played a key role in the Eagles' Super Bowl season.

"Becton produced subpar tape last season in L.A. However, a return to Philly, where Becton allowed four sacks and had a 71.2% run block win rate in 2024, makes sense as a depth/competition move," Bowen states. "At his best, Becton has the size (6-foot-7, 364 pounds) and physical tools to overwhelm defenders."

Becton is already familiar with the Eagles' offensive line and its needs after spending the 2024 season in Philadelphia. Having another solid guard in the fold who knows how to protect Hurts could do a long way once the Eagles' 2026 season starts to heat up.