The Chargers must overhaul an offensive line that failed Justin Herbert in 2025. With Mekhi Becton struggling on the field and clashing with coaches, Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz face a tough decision on whether cutting ties is the best move.
The Los Angeles Chargers are being forced to make some drastic decisions regarding the offensive line this offseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have already begun clearing house, firing offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin. After all, the Chargers had one of — if not the — worst offensive lines in the entire NFL, allowing defenses to wreak havoc on quarterback Justin Herbert throughout the season.
While changes to the coaching staff were clearly necessary, the front office must also take a hard look at the players who made up that offensive line. In theory, the Chargers should be set at tackle. If both Rashawn Slater and rookie Joe Alt are healthy, those two positions could rank among the best in the league. Unfortunately, the biggest issue for Los Angeles throughout the season was the interior of the offensive line, which consistently collapsed under pressure.
Last offseason, Hortiz made only one notable addition to the offensive line — a decision that raised eyebrows among fans. That move was signing Mekhi Becton, one of the top free-agent linemen on the market. Becton came over from the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning 2024 Super Bowl champions, where he had been part of one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines. The hope was that Becton would bring that same physicality and experience to Los Angeles, helping stabilize the front and better protect Herbert.
That hope quickly faded. Injuries to both Slater and Alt left the offensive line exposed, and rather than stepping up as a stabilizing presence, Becton emerged as a liability. He was frequently banged up, often exiting games early, making it difficult for the coaching staff to rely on his availability. His inability to stay on the field only compounded the issues for an already depleted unit.
Even when Becton was on the field, his performance left much to be desired. According to Pro Football Focus, Becton posted an overall grade of 35.3, ranking 79th out of 81 qualifying players at his position. Even more concerning, he ranked dead last in run blocking — a statistic that aligns perfectly with the Chargers’ struggles to establish a consistent rushing attack.
Instead of taking accountability for his poor play, Becton publicly criticized the Chargers’ coaching staff. In November, he expressed frustration, stating that “things are very different around here.” Rather than using that frustration as motivation to improve, his level of play continued to decline as the season progressed.
From a roster-building standpoint, releasing Becton would give the Chargers additional financial flexibility as they look to rebuild the offensive line. With a new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach coming in, however, the front office may consider whether Becton deserves one more opportunity in a new system with better health and improved talent around him.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to trust. Can Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz trust Mekhi Becton to stay healthy, buy into coaching and perform at an acceptable level? Based on his 2025 performance, the answer appears to be no. While the upside of reclaiming his Philadelphia form exists, the risk may outweigh the reward. For a Chargers team desperate to protect Justin Herbert and reset the tone in the trenches, moving on from Becton might be the cleanest — and smartest — option.