Los Angeles Chargers Projected To Cut Super Bowl Champion Ahead Of 2026 Offseason
The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly planning to release starting right guard Mekhi Becton after a disappointing season. Becton, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the team last offseason, has struggled to meet expectations, and his release could save the Chargers nearly $10 million in cap space for the 2026 season.
Becton’s Struggles With The Los Angeles Chargers
Becton, 26, was one of the lowest-rated guards in the NFL this season, earning a 35.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him 79th out of 81 qualified guards. His performance in both pass blocking and run blocking was subpar, with rankings of 46th and 61st, respectively, in key metrics like pass block win rate and run block win rate.
The former first-round pick also expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the Chargers’ offensive system under former coordinator Greg Roman. “It’s a lot of different things I’m not used to,” Becton said earlier this season, hinting at his discomfort in the scheme.
NFL insider Tony Pauline reported that Becton’s struggles have led the Chargers to consider cutting ties. “After seemingly turning his career around, word at the Shrine Bowl is that Mekhi Becton has reverted to his former ways, and the Los Angeles Chargers will opt out of the final year of his contract,” Pauline wrote.
Financial Implications for the Chargers
Releasing Becton would free up approximately $9.7 million to $10 million in cap space for the Chargers, who are already projected to have $80.5 million in cap space, the third-highest in the NFL. This additional flexibility could allow the team to address its struggling offensive line, which ranked last in pass block win rate (54.4%) and second-to-last in run block win rate (69%) this season.
Potential Landing Spots for Becton
Becton’s impending release has sparked speculation about where he might land next. One potential destination is the Philadelphia Eagles, where Becton played a key role during their Super Bowl-winning 2024 season. While his performance in Los Angeles has been underwhelming, some believe a return to Philadelphia under offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland could help Becton regain his form.
Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton noted that Becton could be a valuable depth piece for the Eagles, assuming he’s willing to accept a reduced role. “Becton coming back as a guard/tackle option could be good if he’s truly motivated to bounce back after a bad season,” Gowton wrote.
What’s Next for the Chargers?
The Chargers face a critical offseason as they look to rebuild their offensive line and provide better protection for quarterback Justin Herbert. With Becton likely on his way out, the team could target top free agents like Tyler Linderbaum, Alijah Vera-Tucker, or Wyatt Teller, or invest in the offensive line through the draft.
General manager Joe Hortiz has emphasized the importance of building through the draft, but the Chargers’ recent struggles in this area suggest that a more aggressive approach in free agency may be necessary.
Conclusion
Mekhi Becton’s time with the Chargers appears to be coming to an end after just one season. While his release would provide significant cap relief for Los Angeles, it also underscores the team’s need to address its offensive line issues. For Becton, the focus will be on finding a new team and proving that he can still be a reliable contributor in the NFL.
