5 things to know about new Chargers guard Mekhi Becton

The Chargers filled their hole at guard with one of the biggest guys they could find.

Mekhi Becton signed a two-year deal with Los Angeles after the best season of his career in Philadelphia, which earned him a Super Bowl ring.

Here's what to know about the newest Charger.

He's nicknamed "Big Ticket"

Becton has gone by "Big Ticket" since at least college, going as far as to buy a $175,000 pendant in the shape of a ticket stub to celebrate being drafted 11th overall by the Jets in 2020. It's a fitting nickname, too, as the Chargers' newest offensive lineman stands 6'7" and 364 pounds, making him one of the biggest people you'll find even in a sport full of giants.

He has his own connections to the Ravens

Most of the Chargers' recent moves can be traced back to Baltimore somehow. General manager Joe Hortiz came to Los Angeles from the Ravens, who also employ Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh's brother John as their head coach. Many thought that would lead LA to pursue someone like former Ravens offensive linemen Patrick Mekari or Kevin Zeitler in free agency. (Mekari signed with Jacksonville, and Zeitler signed with Tennessee.) But Becton has his connection to the franchise: he blocked for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in college, when the two were both at Louisville. With experience blocking for Jackson and Jalen Hurts, two of the most mobile quarterbacks in the league, Becton should be able to open up some more running room for Justin Herbert.

The Eagles knew he'd be the key to a Super Bowl run

Becton told the New York Post in January that Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland "pretty much told me at the beginning of the year that I’m going to be the reason why we get [to the Super Bowl]," citing the value of Halapoulivaati Vaitai replacing Jason Peters during Philadelphia's first Super Bowl run in 2017. While Becton didn't have to kick out to tackle to provide his value for the Eagles, his contributions at guard, a position Stoutland taught him last offseason, were crucial in Philadelphia's success.

He's overcome injuries and questions about his conditioning

Before he got to Philadelphia, Becton was considered one of the biggest busts in recent memory. The Jets selected him over Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs in 2020, but multiple knee injuries kept him off the field for parts of the 2021 season and all of 2022. During that time, New York questioned Becton's conditioning, linking his injuries to his weight due to his massive stature. The rift ultimately led to his release and subsequent revival with the Eagles.

He was recruited heavily by Jim Harbaugh

Back in 2017, Harbaugh badly wanted Michigan to land Becton out of Highland Springs, Virginia. The Wolverines made Becton's top 5, alongside Virginia, Virginia Tech, Oregon, and Louisville, but the Cardinals weathered a late push to keep Becton signed. Eight years later, Harbaugh finally has Becton on his side. It's a similar story to that of running back Najee Harris, who committed to Alabama over Michigan but signed with the Chargers earlier in the week.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 things to know about new Chargers guard Mekhi Becton

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