Fewer than 12 months later, he became a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Becton was among the top narratives in the NFL this previous season. He will attract significant interest in free agency in early March from various teams looking to strengthen their interior line. That might involve the Detroit Lions.
Becton signed with the Eagles as a free agent in May for $2.75 million after he went unclaimed by other teams. After being selected No. 11 overall from Louisville in the 2020 NFL draft, he switched from tackle to guard without prior experience at the spot, following four disappointing seasons with the New York Jets.
The outcome: Becton was an essential part of the top offensive line in football, enabling Saquon Barkley to achieve the highest rushing yards in a single NFL season, including playoffs, and assisting the Eagles in attaining an 18-3 record and winning the Super Bowl. Barkley set a record with seven touchdown runs exceeding 60 yards, three of which were during the postseason, with Becton playing an important role in multiple instances.
Currently, Becton, who will be 26 in April, is poised to become an unrestricted free agent once more in March when the new league year commences.
The Lions could have a need at right guard, the spot where Becton played with the Eagles.
Kevin Zeitler, who played 16 games for the Lions but was absent from the playoff match because of a hamstring injury, will be an unrestricted free agent as well.
The Lions possess Christian Mahogany, a sixth-round selection in 2024 from Boston College, who played at right guard during Zeitler’s absence in the divisional playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders. Mahogany received a grade of 92.2 from Pro Football Focus, ranking No. 1 among 32 guards in the postseason. Mahogany also had one fill-in appearance at left guard instead of Graham Glasgow during a December victory against the Chicago Bears.
Should the Lions consider Becton? And how would he accommodate? Let’s explore further.
The Lions might consider re-signing Zeitler or pursuing Becton or another free agent, with Mahogany and Glasgow vying for the other starting guard position. In 2025, Glasgow will have a cap hit of $7.4 million following the three-year, $20 million contract he signed last March. The Lions would incur a dead cap penalty of $5.3 million if they decided to release him.
Regardless, Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who has recently been promoted to run game coordinator, is expected to play a major role in the decision-making regarding the offensive line. With the Lions depending on the running game and play-action from it, Becton might become a player to monitor in free agency.
The Lions should keep enhancing their O-line depth and might strengthen an area of strength by bringing in Becton — who won’t be overly expensive since he has demonstrated it for only one year — particularly if Zeitler departs. Jared Goff requires time and room in the pocket to operate the offense, making his offensive line the team’s most crucial position.
Becton is reaching his peak and may be viewed as a versatile player with significant potential because of his strong showing in Year 1 at a different position.
Mekhi Becton potential free agency locations
Mekhi Becton agreement
Spotrac estimates that Becton will attain a market value of $40.9 million over four years, translating to an average yearly value of $10.2 million. That would rank him No. 19 for guard salaries in the NFL. The forecasts rely on similar players, their statistics and values.
Becton could secure a more profitable contract if a team thinks he can perform at tackle, although he may favor playing guard.
“It’s simpler,” he chuckled while cleaning out lockers on Thursday.
Lions salary cap in 2025
The Lions are estimated to possess approximately $46 million in cap space this offseason, ranking ninth in the NFL as per Over The Cap. Their requirements span both positions and cornerback.
Lions unrestricted free agents in 2025
They possess several notable free agents, including Zeitler, cornerback Carlton Davis III, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, and third receiver Tim Patrick.