The Chicago Bears desperately need offensive line help. That much is clear– and the constantly under-pressure no. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams would be the first to tell you that.
Fans will also tell you that as their frustration grows.
It’s clear that line help won’t come within the current roster and it won’t likely come via the draft next season. So, it’ll be a must that Bears get offensive line reinforcement from free agency signings.
Chicago Bears Help Wanted: Offensive Line
One name on the market following this season will be guard Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets who is having a career resurgence this season on a one-year free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Isaac Zuniga of Last Word on Sports has pegged the 25-year-old Becton as the ideal free agent pickup for the Bears this offseason.
Zuniga is predicting that the 6’7”, 360+ lb. lineman could be signed on a 2-year, $22 million contract– a bit pricey, but within the Bears’ budget and, likely, well worth the investment. It’s also quite possible that he’d come a lot more economically, via incentive-heavy deal based on time spent on field.
Becton possesses all the physical tools to be an elite NFL tackle. He is a mountain of a man with surprising athleticism for his size. His ability to dominate in run-blocking and hold his own against premier pass rushers has made him a tantalizing prospect since his college days at Louisville.
However, injuries have plagued Becton’s career. He missed almost all of the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to knee issues and had his durability questioned during his time with the Jets. Despite these concerns, Becton returned in 2023 and showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick, though he wasn’t able to stay consistently on the field for an entire season.
Mekhi Becton Risk VS. Reward Assessment
For the Bears, the potential reward of signing Becton outweighs the risk. Their offensive line has struggled in 2024, particularly in pass protection, leaving Williams under duress far too often. While rookie Darnell Wright has shown promise at right tackle and pairing him with a resurgent Becton would provide a definite boost in protecting the Bears’ young and vulnerable franchise quarterback.
Becton’s skill set aligns well with the Bears’ offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a strong running game complemented by dynamic passing plays. His ability to pave lanes for running backs while anchoring the edge in pass protection makes him an ideal fit.
The Cost of Mekhi Becton
One of the key factors in pursuing Becton will be the financial terms. Given his injury history, it’s questionable whether he’ll command a top-of-the-market contract, which could make him a bargain for a team willing to bet on his upside. A short-term, incentive-laden deal might be the best route for both parties, giving Becton an opportunity to prove himself once again while minimizing the Bears’ financial risk.
The Bears won’t be the only team interested in Becton’s services. Offensive line talent is always in high demand, and several teams with similar needs could drive up the market for his services. The Jets themselves might consider bringing him back, especially if they view his resurgence as a sign of things to come.
However, Chicago has a unique selling point– the opportunity to be part of a young, ascending team led by one of the league’s most exciting quarterback prospects. The chance to protect a player like Williams could appeal to Becton, who may see it as a chance to revitalize his career while playing a pivotal role in a franchise’s resurgence.
As always, time will tell.
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