Why Chargers are releasing Mekhi Becton after one season in Los Angeles

Mekhi Becton will be one-and-done with the Los Angeles Chargers.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers are going to release Becton "in the coming days" after just one season with the team.

"The Chargers plan to release guard Mekhi Becton in the coming days, per source. The move saves Los Angeles $9.7 million on the cap," Fowler reported.

Becton started at guard and appeared in 15 games (14 starts) last season. His departure means the Chargers will now be in the market for at least one guard.

Why Chargers are releasing Becton

There are multiple reasons why the Chargers are cutting ties with Becton, and one of them is the $9.7 million the team stands to free up in cap space.

If you watched any Chargers games last season, you probably saw Becton leaving the field with an injury. That was a very common occurrence, which made Becton unreliable.

Then, there's the raw numbers: Becton ranked a putrid 81st and 72nd among guards in Pro Football Focus run-blocking (34.3) and pass-blocking (45.2) grades and surrendered three sacks and 37 total pressures.

That simply wasn't going to cut it for a Chargers team that needs better blocking for Justin Herbert, who got maimed behind Los Angeles' terrible offensive line.

Knowing all that, the Chargers are wise to go in a different direction and invest the money they were going to spend on Becton elsewhere.

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