The Los Angeles Chargers have numerous injuries on the offensive line and a big red flag at center, with Bradley Bozeman absorbing much of the criticism for a Jim Harbaugh team expected to prioritize the trenches above all else.
This allows Mekhi Becton to sneak in without much backlash.
Becton was the team’s leading free agent ahead of Justin Herbert this past offseason, signing him to a two-year contract worth $20 million. In fact, the sensation was so great that the Chargers were more than happy to keep the other two interior starters (Bozeman, Zion Johnson) from last year’s terrible unit and call it a day.
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Fast forward to now? Becton didn’t pass the eye test and also doesn’t pass the scoring test, with a 42.2 PFF grade that ranks him 101 out of 110 guards so far.
That was Becton’s main concern when the Chargers signed him. The former 11th overall pick in 2020 was widely considered a bust at tackle and had injury issues before going to Philadelphia last year and playing guard for 15 games.
While the headlines focused on Becton being an upgrade at guard for the Chargers (which wasn’t saying much, given the low bar), there was a very real risk that he would end up as a wonder in a place like Philadelphia and struggle elsewhere.
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As a caveat, the Chargers have been dealing with huge injury issues. Becton himself battled illness and a hand injury that, among other things, required him to wear a cast. The tackle spot next to him also had a name change due to injury.
But the Chargers played big with Becton and, therefore, with Herbert and his health as well. This is not yet bearing fruit and, given the returns so far, it may not be.
To their credit, the Chargers knew this. There is an opt-out in Becton’s contract after this season. But they really, really needed this nightmare scenario to remain an idea, and not something that actually happens on the field every week.
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