Schefter: Mekhi Becton Will Be 'Inclined' to Sign Eagles Contract in NFL Free Agency

Offensive guard Mekhi Becton is set to become a free agent this offseason, but a top NFL insider believes his preference is to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles.

During an appearance Wednesday on 97.5 The Fanatic's Kincade & Salciunas, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the following about where things stand between Becton and the Eagles:

"Mekhi Becton found a home in Philadelphia, and he chose to go to Philadelphia in large part because he believed that [Eagles offensive line coach] Jeff Stoutland would help rebuild his career, and that's exactly what happened.

"Now, he can go out and seek greener pastures elsewhere, or he and the Eagles could work out a fair deal where he could continue to thrive. So, I think Mekhi Becton is going to be inclined to stay."

After a dominant collegiate career at Louisville, the New York Jets selected Becton with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

The Jets hoped the 6'7", 363-pound lineman could be a cornerstone offensive tackle for them for years to come, but injuries ruined his tenure in New York, as he was limited to one game in 2021 and didn't play at all in 2022.

Becton did start all 16 games he appeared in for the Jets in 2023, but the organization declined his fifth-year option before the season and didn't re-sign him, thus making him a free agent.

The Eagles took a flier on Becton with a one-year, $2.75 million deal, and they decided to move him from tackle to right guard.

That move paid dividends, as Becton started 15 regular-season games and all four of the Eagles' playoff games, including their Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Becton benefited not only from quality coaching, but also from being part of the best overall offensive line in football alongside Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens.

The Eagles have some key defensive players set to hit free agency this offseason in linebacker Zack Baun, pass-rusher Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Milton Williams, but Becton is essentially the only notable player on offense not under contract for next season.

Since all of the aforementioned players will be in line for significant raises, it is difficult to envision the Eagles being able to keep all of them, but they may be able to retain at least one or two.

An argument can be made for the Eagles' coaching and system being so good that backup guard Tyler Steen or a new acquisition could step in as the new starting right guard without missing a beat, but if Becton is willing to take less to re-sign with the Eagles, it would be a worthwhile move given that he is still only 25.