NFL

Eagles signing former Jets first-round pick Mekhi Becton

A former Jets first-round pick head headed down the New Jersey Turnpike. 

Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has agreed to terms on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $5.5 million with the Eagles, pending a physical, sources confirmed to The Post’s Brian Costello.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the signing. 

Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland advocated for Philly to pursue Becton, Schefter added. 

 Mekhi Becton is signing with the Eagles.
Mekhi Becton is signing with the Eagles. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

The signing turns the page for Becton – the Jets 11th overall pick in 2020 – after four up-and-down years for the Louisville product that started with a promising rookie campaign and was derailed by two seasons cut short due to injuries. 

Becton started 16 games for Gang Green in 2023 and managed to stay healthy, but he had committed the second most infractions in the league with 12 penalties and he allowed 12.5 sacks, according to Next Gen Stats. 

Becton had been injured during the 2021 season opener when a teammate rolled up on his right ankle and eventually forced him to have an arthroscopic procedure. 

The following year he reinjured the right knee during training camp and had to undergo major surgery. 

The team had declined to pick up his fifth-year option in May 2023 leading to Becton becoming a free agent this offseason. 

The Jets had begun to bring in new blood on the offensive line after the 2023 season came to an end by bringing in right tackle Morgan Moses from Baltimore via a trade and signing All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith. 

Zach Wilson and Mekhi Becton.
Zach Wilson and Mekhi Becton. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Jets also drafted Olu Fashanu during this year’s draft with the 11th overall selection. 

“It really feels like a perfect situation,” Fashanu said of being picked by the Jets, according to the team website. “I feel like I am in a fairytale. Tyron was my first football inspiration. From the first days I started playing O-Line, he was the first guy I really started watching film on. And for me to get the opportunity to really learn from him and ask him tips questions and advice means the world to me.”