Eagles’ breakup with a former first-round pick hasn't benefited either side

For months, we went on after the new league year began. The topics didn't surprise us—one of the more common (and expected): roster turnover. We knew the Philadelphia Eagles would lose talent to other needy NFL teams. It simply didn't make business sense to keep some of the guys who would command high prices once they officially entered free agency.

There were priority extensions that needed to happen, such as Zach Baun's. Surprises were announced, one being Saquon Barkley's extension, given just one year after signing his current deal.

Some argued Mekhi Becton had played well enough to be considered for an extended stay and pay raise, but he was allowed to walk. He landed on his feet with the Los Angeles Chargers. Or, at least that's what we thought had happened at the time.

Maybe the Eagles and Mekhi Becton needed one another.

The Eagles' and Chargers' paths rarely cross. They play in opposite conferences, so unless they meet during a Super Bowl, we can only guarantee a meeting every four years.

That said, the lifetime series stands at 8-5 in the Chargers' favor. A 14th meeting comes on Monday Night Football to conclude the 14th week of the regular season. One of the guys on the opposing sideline who once admitted that he 'had never had more fun playing NFL football than when he did so in Philadelphia'.

So, here we sit. Most of the 2025-26 regular season has evaporated. Mekhi Becton's exit hasn't benefited him or the Philadelphia Eagles.

During a 35-6 Chargers loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, Becton was seen limping, waving off Jamaree Salyer's attempts to replace him, and complaining to L.A.'s backup center, Andre James, when he was replaced.

The Eagles haven't had those issues with Tyler Steen. Their concerns are more about the drop-off in talent that he represents, having replaced Becton in a starter's role. It isn't that Steen can't play. He just hasn't played as well as Becton played last season.

As for the man who signed a two-year, $20 million contract to join the Chargers, he only appeared in nine of his new team's first 11 games. He has played 69% of the offense's total snaps this season, and he has sat out of multiple series or full games. Injuries have often been the culprit, but for a man who has always worn his emotions on his sleeve, it's clear that he isn't happy.

Some might say that Philly dodged a bullet. Others could argue that the change of scenery was good for him and that he and the Eagles are better together than they are apart. You all can be the judge to iron all of that out.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ and Mekhi Becton both regret breaking up during free agency