In an offseason marked by strategic, physical upgrades, perhaps no move better embodies the Los Angeles Chargers‘ new identity under Jim Harbaugh than the signing of Mekhi Becton. The 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman was one of the most effective run blockers in the league last year, and his arrival could finally give the Chargers the interior strength they’ve lacked for years.
Mekhi Becton Named ESPN’s Favorite Chargers Move
As ESPN’s Seth Walder noted in grading the team’s offseason moves a solid “B,” the addition of Becton was the highlight. It addresses a glaring issue for the Chargers, who finished 25th in yards before contact and 26th in interior rushing yards per carry in 2024. Walder called Becton the team’s best move and praised the value—$10 million per year—as reasonable compared to other guard contracts this offseason.
Becton’s resurgence in Philadelphia last year, where he shifted from tackle to guard, earned him a 75.2 PFF grade—16th among guards with at least 500 snaps. He also posted a 74.7 run-blocking grade and a 72% run block win rate, providing a major upgrade over last year’s right guard, Trey Pipkins III. Now aligned with rookie tackle Joe Alt, Becton forms one of the largest and potentially most effective right sides in football.
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Mike Sando of The Athletic echoed that excitement: “One of their biggest additions should help them build on their physical identity under second-year coach Jim Harbaugh.” The Chargers want to run the ball, and Becton is built to do just that.
The Chargers also retooled their backfield, replacing J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards with Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton. Harris provides consistency, while Hampton, who led NCAA backs in screen-game efficiency and yards after contact, adds explosive upside.
Harbaugh’s run-first vision is clear, and Greg Roman’s scheme is designed to amplify it. With Becton anchoring the right side and Hampton adding juice, a top-five rushing attack isn’t just a prediction—it’s an expectation. Becton may not be the flashiest signing, but he might prove to be the most important.
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