The Patriots have not had the flashy offseason many, including coach Jerod Mayo, hoped for or even expected after the team accumulated cap space and seemed ready to be aggressive in adding to a roster that produced dismal 4-13 record. But hey, it’s not over yet. There is still the matter of the No. 3 pick in the draft, as well as the possibility for a major trade.
And there are still free agents to be found, even if they’re not top-of-the-market.
One such player is Mekhi Becton, the former No. 11 pick of the New York Jets, a massive 6-foot-7, 363-pound tackle whom the team is not keeping for next season. The Patriots have solidified their offensive line somewhat, but it is still thin and in need of reinforcements. Becton has had an injury-plagued career, but he is still only 24 (he turns 25 next week) and could yet capitalize on his potential.
According to Bleacher Report, he’s a player the Patriots should be targeting, one who could yet help them sooner rather than later.
Patriots Need to Strengthen Offensive Line
That’s the notion from Bleacher Report, in an article on Sunday titled, “1 Free Agent Still on the Market Who Can Help Each NFL Team in 2024.” The Patriots currently have Conor McDermott, a serviceable eighth-year veteran, slated as the left tackle for next year. He played 61% of the team’s offensive snaps in 2023, starting five games and can’t be considered a long-term solution.
Maybe Becton isn’t, either. But he is worthy of a low-cost gamble and the Pats can cut bait if it does not work out. As Matt Holder of B/R wrote:
“If the Patriots are being honest with themselves, the team is at least a couple of years away from competing for a playoff spot. New England is in the beginning stages of a rebuild so adding a 25-year-old left tackle who has plenty of traits to become a long-term solution wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“Granted, Becton’s health is a concern but he’s worth taking a chance on at this stage in the game, especially if he signs a cheap ‘prove-it’ type of deal.”
Mekhi Becton Health Has Held Him Back
Health has been the issue for Becton throughout his career. He played one game in 2021 and 2022 combined, because of a fractured kneecap in Becton’s surgically repaired right knee, an injury that Becton blamed on the Jets.
But Becton was healthy and bounced back with 16 games played last year. Though he has been a draft bust to this point, he still has upside, even if he needs to increase his conditioning and professionalism. Starting over with a young team like the Patriots could be beneficial to him.
The price is surely right for the Patriots. Pro Football Focus projects him warranting a one-year, $5 million contract. That’s probably about what he would get at this point, given the lack of cap space out there.
It is a bargain deal, though. Spotrac puts his market value at $12.9 million per year and projects him being worthy of a three-year, $39 million contract.
Pro Football Focus has Becton ranked as the No. 48 overall player in free agency, among the top remaining unsigned players.
And PFF had some good things to say about Becton even though the Jets had a messy offensive line: “The 6 foot 7, 363 pound dancing bear seemed slimmer in training camp and did well as a pass protector despite the changing quarterbacks behind him. He has the potential to lead the blocking on the play side but often got stuck in the congestion this season when block pulling across the formation, getting his feet tangled and ending up on the ground.”
