Chargers Release Veteran Guard Mekhi Becton

Move clears $9.7 million in cap space as LA reshapes offensive line

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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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. Becton, a 2020 first-round draft pick, has struggled with injuries throughout his six-year career and missed most of the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to knee problems.

Why it matters

The Chargers are entering the offseason with around $86 million in cap space and are preparing for a broader rebuild up front on the offensive line. Releasing Becton now avoids having to pay him a $2.5 million roster bonus and $1 million in other bonuses, freeing up significant cap room for the team to address other needs.

The details

Becton signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers last offseason but struggled through an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. He appeared in 15 games with 14 starts, but was on the field for just 72% of offensive snaps and completed a full workload in only six contests due to lingering knee issues, a hand injury, concussion, and illness. His performance metrics ranked near the bottom of the league among qualifying guards.

  • Becton was due a $2.5 million roster bonus on March 13 and another $1 million two days later.
  • Becton missed nearly all of 2021 and the entirety of 2022 due to knee problems before bouncing back in Philadelphia in 2024.

The players

Mekhi Becton

A 26-year-old veteran guard who was originally drafted 11th overall by the New York Jets in 2020 and has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

Los Angeles Chargers

An NFL team based in Los Angeles, California that is preparing for a broader rebuild on the offensive line this offseason.

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What’s next

The Chargers will now have additional cap space to address other needs on the offensive line as they look to reshape the unit this offseason.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Chargers' commitment to overhauling their offensive line, as they part ways with a former first-round pick who has been hampered by injuries throughout his career. The freed-up cap space will allow the team to explore other options to improve the unit.