In full cost-cutting mode to open the 2025 free agent signing period, the Philadelphia Eagles allowed a number of key contributors to sign elsewhere last week.
The latest in what has been a mass exodus was starting right guard Mekhi Becton, who agreed to an extremely reasonable, two-year deal worth $10 million annually with the Los Angles Chargers on Friday.
That number was too rich for GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles, who are currently projected to have a training camp competition at right guard for the second consecutive summer. The Eagles acquired Kenyon Green — a first-round bust to this point in his career — from the Houston Texans via trade and still have Tyler Steen, their 2023 third-round pick who played second fiddle to Becton in 2024.
The Eagles could be happy to let veteran O-line coach Jeff Stoutland work with Green, Steen and 2024 fifth-rounder Trevor Keegan this offseason and see who emerges. Cory Woodroof of USA TODAY’s For the Win, however, is eyeing a potential veteran solution for Philly at nearly half the cost of Becton’s deal with the Chargers.
Woodroof predicts the Eagles will sign five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, the former Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders star who PFF projects will net $6 million annually on his next deal. Here was Woodroof’s take:
Scherff could slot in at right guard for the Eagles, who just lost Mekhi Becton to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team brought in guard Kenyon Green as a reclamation project, but Scherff provides more stability.
This move would make a lot of sense for Scherff, who after a couple of frustrating seasons in Jacksonville will be looking to join a contender if he returns for his age-33 season. He earned PFF’s 12th-highest pass blocking grade for 2024, so he would be a fine protector for quarterback Jalen Hurts and a more proven commodity than Green.
Where Scherff has struggled in the latter stages of his career is run blocking, which was an area where Becton excelled in 2024. The Eagles like to pull their guards and get their linemen to the second level on run plays, and in that respect, Scherff is probably a few steps behind the younger guys already on Philly’s roster.
If the Eagles were going to spend at guard this offseason, why not commit $10 million per year for Becton? He enjoyed a breakout season after moving inside from tackle, and should only get better at his new position entering a full offseason.
Philly’s decision to pass on Becton is a major nod to Steen, who performed well when called upon in 2024 and should get a real shot to win the starting right guard job this August.
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