A year ago, Mekhi Becton‘s future was cloudy.
The former first-round pick was headed to free agency following an injury-plagued four seasons with the Jets.
Fast forward 12 months later, Becton is preparing to play in the biggest game of his football career.
The Eagles will play in Super Bowl LIX this week after winning the NFC Championship against the Commanders and Becton played a significant role in helping Philadelphia reach the Big Game. He was a significant reason the Eagles finished in the NFL in rushing this season (179.3).
He also helped Saquon Barkley, who also left New York for Philadelphia, to the franchise season-single rushing record (2,005).
“I had a feeling I would be in this spot because I deserve to be in this spot,” Becton said after the NFC Championship via NJ.com. “I worked too hard. I knew I wouldn’t stay with the Jets for my whole career.”
Becton, 25, has finally reached the potential many saw when he entered the 2020 NFL Draft. He was selected 11th overall and was expected to be the Jets cornerstone tackle for the next decade.
After a solid rookie season in which he started 13 games at left tackle, Becton endured back-to-back seasons that were wiped out due to injury. In the 2021 season opener against the Panthers, Becton suffered a right knee injury and missed the rest of the year following a surgical procedure. During his time away because of injury, Becton’s weight climbed to 400 pounds and the Jets expressed concern.
Becton returned in time for the 2022 training camp, but he reinjured his right knee in practice and missed the rest of that season. He ultimately blamed Jets coaches for moving him from left to right tackle, which, according to Becton, put more stress on his right knee. Becton also said he didn’t receive the correct surgery the first time he suffered the injury in 2021.
Instead of gaining weight this time, Becton refocused on his conditioning, lost over 50 pounds, and reported to training camp in 2023 in the best shape of his football career. He also won the Jets right tackle job after a solid training camp. Becton was moved to left tackle three games into the 2023 season after Duane Brown suffered an injury two games in.
Becton had his moments at his natural position, but he was not consistent enough. He committed 12 penalties [second most in the NFL] and allowed 12.5 sacks, according to Next Gen Stats. Becton became a free agent after the Jets declined his fifth-year option in the spring of 2023.
The Jets are often a low-hanging punching bag because of their futility, but it is difficult to criticize them for letting Becton walk. He played 30 games in four seasons for the Jets. In addition to his injuries, Becton also appeared to lack motivation and criticized fans on social media.
Becton says he didn’t receive the same support from the Jets as he does from the Eagles.
“I’m the same player I’ve always been,” Becton said. “It’s nothing different. I feel like if you give somebody support and uplift them — and not tear them down every day — they are going to go perform like they can.”
The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year, $2.75 million contract last April, a low-risk, high-reward signing at the time. After Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland suggested it, Becton was moved to guard, a position he never played in the league until this season.
Becton turned that opportunity into a success story. In 903 snaps, he allowed just three sacks and committed four penalties. Becton was ranked as the No. 18 ranked guard by Pro Football Focus.
Not only did Becton achieve individual success, paving the way for Barkley’s 2,005-yard season, but he also helped the Eagles finish with a 14-3 record and the NFC East title. Now, Becton is one game away from winning a Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a 5-12 season in which they fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. With new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, Gang Green will start over again in hopes of ending a 14-year playoff drought.
“It’s pretty funny to me that I’m where I’m at and they’re where they’re at,” Becton said.