Chargers cut Jets bust Mekhi Becton ahead of NFL free agency

Mekhi Becton will be looking for his fourth team in four years.

The Chargers are cutting the former Jets first-round pick, according to ESPN, the latest twist in what has been a whirlwind NFL career for the offensive lineman.

Becton, 26, was entering the second year of a two-year, $20 million contract that guaranteed him just under $7 million. The Chargers will carry a $2.5 million dead cap charge in 2026 but save $9.7 million by releasing the 6-foot-7 Louisville product.

Mekhi Becton with the Chargers in October 2025. Getty Images

Expected to be a franchise tackle for the Jets out of Louisville in 2020, Becton’s tenure with Gang Green was marred by injuries and ineffectiveness.

He left after four years to sign with the Eagles, moved to guard and became a starter on the team that won the Super Bowl 13 months ago.

Becton then joined the Chargers but took a step back in 2025 as the team’s offensive line struggled without injured tackles Rashawn Slater, who missed the whole season with a torn patellar tendon, and Joe Alt, who was limited to six games due to ankle injuries.

Mekhi Becton (77) walks off with a trainer during a Jets game in November 2023. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

For the second time in as many years under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers went 11-6, finished second in the AFC West and lost in the wild-card round.

They project to be among the teams with the most cap space with free agency starting next week as they look to break through with quarterback Justin Herbert, who is 0-3 in playoff games.

The Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who since became a senior offensive assistant under Harbaugh’s brother John with the Giants.

Mike McDaniel, whom the Dolphins fired after four years as their head coach, replaced Roman as the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator.