Bye, Mekhi? Jets Free Agent Tackle Already Getting Contract Interest?

The offensive line, especially at offensive tackle, is where the New York Jets have the most need, but they will surely look at every possibility in their quest to strengthen their attack. The Jets may be in even more demand while looking for

their next starting left tackle if the latest reports turn out to be accurate. Just one

day after it was reported that the New York team’s former 2020 first-round pick

(No. 11 overall) was “unlikely” to sign with them again this offseason, Tony

Pauline of Sportskeeda has noted that, should he go undrafted, the Tennessee

Titans and Atlanta Falcons could be interested in signing him.

Pauline stated, “Some would argue the team needs two new players at the position; Tennessee needs an offensive

tackle.” “While there isn’t much of a need for offensive tackle in Atlanta, the fact

that Dwayne Ledford, the offensive line coach for the Falcons, was Becton’s

position coach at Louisville, makes this a very intriguing signing.”

Given that Becton and veteran Duane Brown, who is also headed for free agency, manned the left side last season,

New York is most likely scanning both the free agent market and the list of

Draft prospects in search of Gang Green’s next influential lineman. The Jets

released guard Laken Tomlinson earlier this week, further thinning out their

offensive line depth. Even with his current skill, most people agree that

Becton has not yet realized his full potential. The Louisville product led the

league in both penalties and sacks given up the previous season. But the Jets

found that his inconsistent run blocking frequently proved to be a hindrance

when trying to implement both zone and gap rushing strategies.

Becton also has his share of injury questions. He is just one season removed

from missing the entire with an avulsion fracture in his right knee — the same

knee he injured in 2021’s season-opener, his only game of the season.

Positively, Becton participated in 16 out of 17 games in 2023. He played nearly 1,000 snaps in 2023, although he

frequently looked worn out, missing just one game because of an ankle issue. On

March 13 at 4 p.m. ET, Becton will formally enter free agency ahead of the

NFL season. On March 11, however, the start of the league’s authorized

tampering period, he could start talking to other teams.