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

New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton will have no shortage of suitors if he hits the free agent market at the start of the NFL year.

While the New York Jets will undoubtedly explore all options in their attempts to improve their offense, the team’s greatest area of need is along the offensive line — particularly at offensive tackle.

If recent reports prove to be correct, the Jets may be in even greater demand while searching for their next starting left tackle.  

Just one day removed from reporting that New York’s former 2020 first-rounder (No. 11 overall) was “unlikely” to re-sign with the team this offseason, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline has mentioned that Becton may draw interest from both the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, should he hit the open market. 

“Tennessee needs an offensive tackle; some would argue the team needs two new players at the position,” wrote Pauline. “The need at offensive tackle in Atlanta is not as great, yet what makes this such an intriguing signing is that Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford was Becton’s position coach at Louisville.”

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With the left side having been manned by Becton and veteran Duane Brown last season — who is also headed for free agency — New York are almost certainly surveying both the free agent market, as well as the list of Draft prospects, for Gang Green's next impactful lineman. The Jets also thinned out their depth along the offensive line by releasing guard Laken Tomlinson earlier this week. 

Despite Becton’s current prowess, he has yet (by consensus) to reach his full potential. Last season, the Louisville product was among the league leaders in penalties and sacks surrendered. However, his inconsistencies with run blocking often became a liability for the Jets when attempting to enact both zone and gap rushing concepts. 

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. 

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On the positive side, Becton played in 16 of 17 games in 2023. Despite playing almost 1,000 snaps in 2023, he often appeared fatigued, with his one missed game due to an ankle sprain.

Becton will officially enter free agency at the start of the NFL year on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. He may, however, begin negotiating with other teams beginning on March 11, the start of the league’s legal tampering period. 

 

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