The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs once again during the 2025 NFL season. Unfortunately, the Chargers laid another egg in the first round of the AFC playoffs. LA should feel the pressure to upgrade their roster this offseason to help get over the hump in 2026. They plan to part ways with one veteran player to create more cap space before the new league year.
The Chargers plan to release veteran guard Mekhi Becton ahead of NFL free agency, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. LA will save $9.7 million in cap space with that move.
Becton started 14 games during his first season with the Chargers. He is a former Super Bowl champion with the Eagles.
This decision should come as no surprise to Chargers fans.
LA was rumored to cut Becton all the way back in January just week's after the team's playoff exit.
“After seemingly turning his career around, word at the Shrine Bowl is that Mekhi Becton has reverted to his former ways, and the Los Angeles Chargers will opt out of the final year of his contract,” Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports reported at Shrine Bowl. “A one-year stint with the Eagles saw him get his game and life back on track, culminating in a Super Bowl ring and a new two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers last offseason.”
Fortunately, the Chargers should have an easy time replacing Becton.
Los Angeles currently has $84.48 million in cap space ahead of NFL free agency. That is before gaining another $9.7 million by cutting Becton.
It is important to note that both Zion Johnson and Trevor Penning are set to enter free agency next week. That leaves the Chargers with only Ben Cleveland and Branson Taylor at guard.
Fans should expect LA to add at least one starting-caliber guard during free agency. The Chargers may also prioritize their offensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft.
It will be exciting to see which moves the Chargers decide to make over the next few months.
