The Los Angeles Chargers have released veteran guard Mekhi Becton, a move that will free up roughly $9.7 million in salary cap space as the team reshapes its offensive line.

Originally drafted 11th overall in 2020 by the New York Jets, Becton’s six-year career has been defined as much by promise as by injuries. He missed nearly all of 2021 and the entirety of 2022 due to knee problems before bouncing back in Philadelphia.

Becton, 26, signed a two-year, $20 million contract with Los Angeles last offseason but struggled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign. He appeared in 15 games with 14 starts, yet was on the field for just 72% of offensive snaps and completed a full workload in only six contests. Lingering knee issues, along with a hand injury, concussion and illness, limited his impact.

Performance metrics painted a difficult picture. Among qualifying guards, he graded near the bottom of the league — ranking as one of the weakest run blockers and placing low in pass protection efficiency. That marked a sharp contrast from 2024, when he revitalized his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting 15 regular-season games and four playoff contests on the way to a Super Bowl title.

Financial timing also factored into the Chargers’ decision. Los Angeles entered the offseason with approximately $86 million in cap room and is preparing for a broader rebuild up front. Becton was due a $2.5 million roster bonus on March 13 and another $1 million two days later, so releasing him now avoids those payouts.

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com