The Los Angeles Chargers were somewhat disappointed in free agency, spending quite frugally. This led to an upset fanbase expecting the same woes as the 2024 season yielded. Luckily, the Chargers quieted some of the louder parts of the fanbase and signed Super-Bowl-winning guard, Mekhi Becton, to a two-year $20 million deal to come in and help fix the interior offensive line.
While this signing on paper is only one upgrade across the three spots that were lacking, the domino effect it created is enough to give some hope that this interior Chargers offensive line can be improved in 2025. The Chargers were without Becton for the majority of the offseason, as he was out with an undisclosed injury, leading fans to panic. This unknown injury gave fans a glimpse of the nightmare scenario for the Chargers, seeing their marquee free agent signee out.
Luckily, as of August 19, 2025, Becton is back in action, ready to dominate opposing defensive linemen.
Why Mekhi Becton’s Return Is Crucial for Chargers’ Season
A Quick Summary Of Mekhi Becton’s Career
To summarize Mekhi Becton‘s career shortly, he was selected 11th overall in 2020, playing offensive tackle for the New York Jets. He had two years of health and two years of injury whilst in New York, having an up and down career as their first round offensive tackle.
He eventually moved on to Philadelphia with the Eagles, playing guard. His size at 6’7 360 gave him a unique size for the position, allowing him to have a Pro-Bowl caliber season on a Super-Bowl winning team. He then signed his aforementioned contract with the Chargers to play guard and help fix the Chargers biggest issue of their 2024 season.
Mekhi Becton might actually be an upgrade over Pipkins. pic.twitter.com/ymskTIZ424
— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) June 27, 2025
The Injury & What The Chargers Did To Temporarily Replace Him
While the details of the injury are undisclosed and still not available, all we currently know is that Becton stopped practicing on July 28 and just returned on August 19. This injury went through a saga of comments from the coaching staff, going from a minor injury that he would return from soon. An injury that he would play on if the season started the day it was asked, to an injury where they cannot confirm he would be ready for week 1.
During his absence, the Chargers moved reportedly much-improved Jamaree Salyer to play guard and work with the first team OL. While these are valuable reps for Salyer, he has been in this system and at the position longer than Becton has, making them even more valuable for the Chargers free agent signee.
Crucially, during this timeframe, the Chargers also lost Rashawn Slater, their best offensive lineman. Moving Becton’s direct replacement, Trey Pipkins, back out to right tackle, coupled with moving Joe Alt to left tackle. While there is confidence in Pipkins to play at a standard level to sustain the position, the ceiling of the offensive line took a major hit.
Chaos aside, the biggest Chargers free agent signee is back at practice and ready to play.
Why Becton Is The Most Important Player On Offense Outside of Justin Herbert
Simply put, if Mekhi Becton goes down again with injury once more, the Chargers are a step back from where they were in 2024. Becton, at the very least, upgrades the interior to a point of three playable starters, with LG Zion Johnson being uber-talented, but inconsistent, and C Bradley Bozeman being a low-end starter.
- Chargers 2024 OL: Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt
- Chargers Current OL: Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins
The Slater injury threw a major wrench in the plans of the Chargers, disallowing them to see their best version of their offensive line. But if the Chargers were to lose Becton once again, they would be stuck with Salyer at guard, a guy who is a replacement-level starter, who is now playing next to Bozeman and Pipkins, both guys who are replacement-level starters in their own right.
His health is crucial for this team to run their offense to the best potential they possibly can, giving them at least the option to run right, unlike last season. When running left, the Chargers averaged 4.4 YPA; when running right, the Chargers averaged 3.8 YPA. This 0.6 YPA may seem small, but crucial considering how often the Chargers find themselves behind the sticks due to unsuccessful runs on first and second down.
Becton also gives the option for Herbert to not be rushed from the right guard spot in under two seconds, another development that is desperately needed, considering the Chargers’ young receiver corps. If Mekhi Becton can stay on the field, the Chargers’ offensive line has the foundation to be functional enough to give Justin Herbert the time he needs, which could define the trajectory of their 2025 season.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
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