The New York Jets spent the day dealing with their offensive line. While the team made a move to sign veteran offensive lineman Billy Turner, the Jets made a massive move against one of their former first-rounders.
On Tuesday, New York’s AFC team revealed that they would not exercise the fifth-year option for tackle Mekhi Becton. The move was expected, as ESPN’s Rich Cimini tweeted on Tuesday, for the former 11th overall selection.
As expected, the Jets declined Mekhi Becton’s fifth-year option, as @diannaESPN said. It means he will be a free agent in 2024.
Meanwhile, Becton continues to transform his body. He’s down to 342 pounds, per source — down 50+ pounds. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 2, 2023
The Jets drafted him in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, his career has been hampered significantly by injury. In September 2021, Becton suffered a knee injury that landed him on IR. During the 2022 Jets training camp, he fractured his right kneecap, and he missed the entire season. So it has been a rough road for Becton at the pro level.
The NFL world reacted to the massive move.
“I know he has had a rough time but I didn’t think the Jets would decline the Becton option,” Michael Hauff tweeted.
I know he has had a rough time but I didn't think the Jets would decline the Becton option.
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) May 2, 2023
One Jet fan called the move “such a bummer but it’s not surprising.”
This is such a bummer but it’s not surprising. He hasn’t seen the field for basically two seasons and is playing in a make it or break it year.
Really hope we see a return to form for Becton this season, he’s got all the talent but just got dealt a bad hand with injuries. #Jets https://t.co/jcjQknxEcf
— Conor Sheeran (@conor__sheeran) May 2, 2023
Another Jet fan said they couldn’t blame the team but that he hopes Becton “Kills it in 2023.”
Can’t fault the #Jets decision here given 77’s injury history. Would’ve liked to see him offered a kind of ‘prove it’ deal similar to what the Packers gave Love tho. Hope he kills it in ‘23. #JTFU https://t.co/2OAfLI4H3d
— Alex Malyon (@AlexMalyon14) May 2, 2023
And finally, another fan said that he was about to “cook” on a contract year.
Contract year becton about to cook https://t.co/WSsMryU5Eq
— A (@AntBrwnstne) May 2, 2023
Safe to say, even though he’s had his struggles, there will be Jets fans rooting for Mekhi Becton this season.
