When it comes to NFL trades or free-agent moves, the truth is, you almost never know how successful they are right away. A deal can look brilliant on paper in March and completely unravel by October. On the flip side, a low-key signing can become the missing piece of a Super Bowl puzzle. It’s part of the beauty and chaos of this league—every offseason move carries the weight of uncertainty, and fans can only sit back, hope, and wait for the story to play out.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been living proof of that reality. Over the last few seasons, they’ve rolled the dice on some major trades and strategic free-agent pickups, and for the most part, fortune has smiled on them. Just look at their track record: they pulled off the Carson Wentz trade when many thought they were stuck with a bad situation, and they snagged A.J. Brown in what’s now considered one of the best trades of the last decade. Moves like those can change the direction of an entire franchise.
But not every signing is meant to be a long-term love story. Sometimes, it’s more like a one-season rental that works out for both sides—and that’s exactly what happened with Mekhi Becton.
Becton’s Brief Ride in Philly
When Becton came to Philadelphia, it wasn’t without questions. The chatter around the league was filled with doubts about his attitude and, even more pressing, his injury history. Could the former first-rounder stay healthy long enough to make an impact? Was his head in the right place? Philly decided to take that gamble anyway, offering him a one-year deal to see if he could prove his value.
The results? Surprisingly positive. Becton found a rhythm, stayed relatively healthy, and even seemed to genuinely enjoy himself in Philadelphia. He went as far as saying he had “never had so much fun playing football,” which was music to the ears of fans who love seeing new faces buy into the culture of the Eagles.
But the NFL isn’t just about vibes—it’s about the salary cap. Every offseason, front offices are forced into hard decisions. Money is finite, roster needs pile up, and sacrifices are inevitable. With Tyler Steen waiting in the wings and other positions demanding attention, the Eagles decided not to bring Becton back. He was allowed to test free agency, eventually signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Trouble in Los Angeles
On paper, the move made sense. The Chargers needed help on their line, and Becton had shown flashes that he could be a reliable contributor. But here’s where the cruel reality of football crept back in—those injury concerns that had once shadowed him reappeared.
Since joining the Chargers, Becton’s been sidelined, missing significant time in training camp. He hasn’t practiced since July, and the team hasn’t been forthcoming with details. No clear timetable. No firm updates. Just silence and growing concern. While NFL rules don’t require detailed injury reports during training camp and preseason, the lack of clarity has fans in Los Angeles nervous. Did they invest in damaged goods?
This situation has, understandably, sparked debate back in Philadelphia. Was letting Becton walk the right move? Given how things have unfolded in LA, it certainly looks like the Eagles’ front office may have dodged a bullet.
Steen Steps Up
Meanwhile, back in Philly, the future looks bright at the position Becton vacated. Tyler Steen has stepped into the starting right guard role, showing steady improvement and fitting seamlessly into the Eagles’ offensive line, which is consistently one of the league’s best units. And if anything happens, depth pieces like Brett Toth, Matt Pryor, and Trevor Keegan are there, ready to compete.
That’s the luxury of building a deep roster—you don’t panic when a name leaves in free agency. You reload, reshuffle, and move forward. And that’s what Philadelphia has always been good at.
The Bigger Picture
Of course, none of this is to diminish Becton’s time in Philadelphia. He’ll always be remembered fondly in the City of Brotherly Love, not just because he was a part of the roster but because of the attitude shift he displayed while here. He came in with question marks and left with respect. For a city that demands toughness and authenticity, that means something.
But at the end of the day, football is a business. Teams can’t afford to keep everyone, and players have to chase their own opportunities. Becton wanted to continue his NFL dream in Los Angeles, and Philly had to look out for their own long-term needs. Sometimes, that’s just how the story goes.
Lessons From the NFL Carousel
What this whole saga illustrates is the unpredictability of NFL roster moves. Fans often demand instant analysis—“Did we win the trade?” “Was this signing a bust?”—but the truth is, these stories often take years to fully play out. The Eagles know that better than most. They’ve had wins, like A.J. Brown, but they’ve also seen moves that didn’t pan out the way they hoped. It’s all part of the gamble.
For now, it feels like Philadelphia’s decision to part ways with Becton was the right one. They avoided tying up money in a player who’s once again battling injuries, and they’ve got a younger, healthier option developing nicely in Steen.
But the NFL is unpredictable, and this story isn’t over yet. Maybe Becton bounces back in Los Angeles, regains his health, and becomes a key piece for the Chargers. Maybe Steen blossoms into a star for the Eagles, solidifying the offensive line for years to come. Both outcomes are possible, and both will take time to unfold.
Key Takeaways:
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NFL trades and signings are long-term gambles — you rarely know right away if they’re a success.
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Philadelphia has made bold moves recently (like the A.J. Brown trade) that paid off big time.
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Mekhi Becton’s time in Philly was short but positive; he proved himself and left on good terms.
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Injuries haunt his Chargers stint, raising questions about whether Philly made the right decision by letting him walk.
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Tyler Steen’s emergence gives the Eagles peace of mind and validates their choice.
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