Eagles Free Agent’s Return Could Hinge on Vet’s Retirement
The Philadelphia Eagles are still in full-celebration mode following their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Although the franchise’s latest championship win deserves to be celebrated, the time for fun and games is nearly over now that free agency will begin in less than a month.
Like the other 31 NFL franchises, the Eagles have several players to decide on this offseason — 15 unrestricted free agents to be exact, according to Spotrac. One of the team’s upcoming free agents is offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, who made his way to the City of Brotherly Love on a one-year deal last offseason.
As much as Eagles fans would love to see Becton re-signed, it looks like his future could hinge on whether or not one of his teammates retires.
Eagles News: Mekhi Becton’s Outlook Hines on Potential Lane Johnson Retirement
On Monday, NFL insider Albert Breer revealed that Becton’s odds of being re-signed by the Eagles will depend on if right tackle Lane Johnson decides to retire this offseason.
“My initial instinct is — with the team already invested at guard, in Landon Dickerson signed long-term — they let (Becton) walk,” Breer wrote. “But what if they see him as a potential long-term answer at right tackle, once Lane Johnson hangs ’em up? It’s something I think they’ll consider.”
When it comes to the Eagles’ offensive line, Becton is the only 2024 starter who’s hitting free agency next month. Center Cam Jurgens has one year ($5.8 million) remaining on his contract while left tackle Jordan Mailata and left guard Landon Dickerson are both under contract through 2028 with about $79.8 million and $48.7 million remaining on their contracts, respectively.
Becton was drafted as a tackle by the New York Jets in 2020, however, he was converted to guard once he arrived in Philadelphia. The decision wound up paying off as he finished the 2024 campaign as Pro Football Focus’ No. 20-graded guard (70.7) while also playing to marks of 70.3 and 60.1 for run blocking and pass protection, respectively.
Even though Becton thrived as a guard, the Eagles could be looking to move him back to tackle if Johnson does hang up his cleats. Even though the six-time Pro Bowl tackle was just the sixth-best-graded player at his position, the fact that he’s turning 35 years old in May after winning a second Super Bowl ring might have him looking to end his career.
After all, athletes don’t always get to end a career on their terms. The fact that Johnson has the opportunity to retire fresh off a Super Bowl victory while he’s still one of the NFL’s top OTs can’t be ignored. If that’s the case, the Eagles could move Becton over to right tackle.
According to Spotrac, Becton’s next contract could pay him $10.2 million. Even though that’s a major raise from his latest cap hit ($1.9 million), it’s a number the Eagles can afford as they’re projected to have over $24.4 million to spare this offseason. Whether they want to commit nearly half that space to an offensive lineman remains to be seen.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles and Becton get any closer to reaching a new deal before free agency begins on Wednesday, March 12.
