Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, the Los Angeles Chargers’ biggest splash in this 2025 NFL off-season, has had an unfortunate start to the 2025 NFL season. Fresh off a successful campaign and Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, Becton came aboard. His stated goal in accepting the Chargers’ head gig was to improve that squad’s weak rushing attack. Yet injuries and lack of form have only half-timed his spell in La La Land.
So far this season, Becton has only played 69% of the Chargers’ total snaps, but he’s had a very minimal impact. His calves have forced him to miss entire series stretches of time, if not full games. Specifically, he missed two games this season—one for a concussion and one for a knee injury. His lack of ability to stay on the field has led to questions about his worth to the club.
Becton joined the line to help add more firepower to the rushing offense. Head coach Jim Harbaugh underlined this devotion by hiring Becton prior to last season. His play has been disappointing since he signed. To put it lightly, Becton has not played well during his 11 game career with the Chargers. While last season he was the 24th ranked guard in run block win rate, his woes have gotten worse this year. He ranks 63rd in run block win rate at 62.7%. That would put him second to last in the whole NFL.
Beyond his run-blocking woes, Becton’s pass-blocking metrics haven’t been much to write home about either. Among qualified guards, he ranks 43rd in pass block win rate (91.8%). These numbers underscore a stunning downturn from the following expectation when he inked with the Chargers.
Prior to the 2025 season, Becton was injured, forcing him to miss three weeks of practice during training camp. A knee problem was the chief culprit for his long layoff. His chronic, multifactorial health issues have certainly factored into the letdown we’ve all felt at his play so far this season. During a single game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Becton suddenly collapsed on the field. This abrupt action triggered even more rumors and conjecture about his health and state within the organization.
In spite of these challenges, Becton is very optimistic when it comes to how the rest of the season will go. He’s long been open about wanting to retire healthy and achieve the personal goals he laid out for himself.
“Just stay healthy and try to finish every game — if I’m allowed,” – Mekhi Becton
Becton’s current deal with the Chargers is a two-year contract with $6.9 million guaranteed. This major officials’ commitment underlines the weight’s levels of expectations heaped on you. One of the best guards on the market last summer, you are now under the microscope. The Chargers had similar hopes of Becton, who is known for his elite run-blocking prowess. Sadly, those hopes have so far been unfulfilled because of his ongoing issue with the injury bug.
As the season progresses, Becton’s ability to stay on the field and perform at a high level will be crucial for both his career and the Chargers’ aspirations on offense. Coach Jim Harbaugh’s vision for a powerful rushing attack may hinge on whether Becton can regain his form and contribute consistently moving forward.
“On game day, we usually don’t come out, so that’s just something new to me,” – Mekhi Becton
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