Bengals’ Missed Opportunity: Mekhi Becton Shines for Eagles

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals had a chance to sign offensive lineman Mekhi Becton last offseason, but the former first-round pick left without a deal. Instead, Becton has flourished with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting 15 games and playing 903 regular-season snaps at right guard. His performance has been pivotal, including clearing the way for Saquon Barkley‘s 62-yard touchdown run in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams.

Becton’s success raises questions about what might have been for the Bengals. Would he have replaced Alex Cappa or Cordell Volson at guard? Could he have made a difference in one of Cincinnati’s seven one-possession losses this season? Becton, who posted a 75.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, visited the Bengals with the understanding he would play tackle. However, his willingness to switch to guard reportedly shifted after leaving Cincinnati.

Instead of signing Becton, the Bengals opted for veteran Trent Brown, who made three starts at right tackle before suffering a season-ending knee injury. With Becton set to become a free agent in March, the Bengals could revisit the possibility of pairing him with rookie Amarius Mims on the right side of their offensive line.

“Mekhi Becton paves the way for Saquon Barkley here. Two guys who relocated from North NJ to Philly this year,” tweeted NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, highlighting Becton’s impact in Philadelphia.

As the Bengals look to bolster their offensive line this offseason, Becton’s resurgence with the Eagles serves as a reminder of what could have been. Whether Cincinnati pursues him again remains to be seen, but his performance this season has undoubtedly made him a coveted free agent.