Mekhi Becton Skewers Jets; Comments Can’t sit Well With Brass

[JetNation]

Many Jets fans have spent a large portion of the past two years telling their fellow fans and those around the NFL that if they were doubting Mekhi Becton, they would soon regret it.  The time was coming that Becton would be back to rag-dolling and pancaking defenders all over the field.  They continuously pointed out the no-brainer decision to keep the faith in the veteran tackle and reap the rewards later.

Some thoughts on Mekhi Becton from today's episode of @JetNation Radio.https://t.co/Oppa8lyYNx

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) January 6, 2023

But that Mekhi Becton was expected to spend this off-season and pre-season fighting for a starting job along the Jets offensive line.  However, in a wide-ranging interview with Newsday, Becton sounded more like a guy who was getting ready to fight his own team in court; both legal and that of public opinion.

An interview with Bob Glauber of Newsday and the article that followed was meant to document Becton’s return following two years battling injuries and fight to get down to a healthy playing weight.  And while the work Becton has put in to shed over 50 pounds in going from 394 to 342 is impressive, it was an array of comments about the Jets coaching staff that garnered the most attention.

In fact, at one point Becton made comments that one might expect to hear from a player preparing to file a grievance against his club for negligence.  When discussing the season-ending injury he suffered in training camp last season, Becton said he told Jets coaches he was hurting, “but no one cared” claimed Becton.

It was later that Becton said he told the team he “wasn’t feeling good” throughout camp but was told he “shouldn’t be complaining” and was simply told to “go out there and do it”.  After limping through much of practice one day, Becton said he “took a step and my knee buckled”, which as we know by now, led to another season-ending surgery.  These statements by Becton are unlikely to be taken lightly by the Jets or the NFL player’s union.

Perhaps giving Becton a chance to clear the air with coaches to get back on the right foot, Glauber asked the former first-round pick what his relationship was like with the coaching staff currently in place and Becton replied “They’re ok.  I mean, it is what it is”.  That’s not a reply that paints the prettiest of pictures.

When he wasn’t straining his relationship with the bosses at 1 Jets Drive, Becton also commented on his desire to play left tackle.  And while that on it’s own would be understandable, it was the additional commentary from Becton that may not sit well with Robert Saleh and company.

.@BrandonTierney says the Jets need to cut Mekhi Becton if he continues to publicly vent about his role: pic.twitter.com/LCrFOsl1GN

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) May 22, 2023

“I dominated as a left tackle my rookie year, and I was going to dominate my second year, and that unfortunate injury happened.  I’m a natural left tackle.  I’m not a right tackle.  I don’t’ care what people say.  I know I’m going to go out there and prove it.  People know what I can do.

Okay, so let’s unpack this quote.  Becton isn’t wrong about being dominant as a rookie.  We saw him tossing defenders left and right on a regular basis.  He was putting together a highlight reel that few other tackles, if any, could match.  And he may very well be a better left tackle than right tackle, but to say “I’m not a right tackle” is a poor job of putting himself before the team.

Even if Becton is better suited to play the left side, he’s also the Jets best option on the right side as of this moment.  This of course due to the fact that left tackle Duane Brown is a proven and respected veteran who has never played on the right side.  Meanwhile, Becton played on both the left and right side in college and was working as the team’s right tackle last season before being injured.

To say he’s going to come in and win the job at left tackle suggests he’s going to supplant Brown, which would likely mean a significant downgrade on the right side with either Billy Turner, Max Mitchell or Carter Warren.

Essentially, what may be best for Becton right now isn’t what’s best for the Jets.  For Becton to apparently fail to understand that is a bad look to say the least.  Becton or somebody in his inner circle has to realize this.

And perhaps most interesting was the way in which the interview wrapped up, it almost sounded as if Becton was foreshadowing his imminent departure.

Having already accused his coaches of causing his injury and giving a tepid response about his relationship with the staff, Becton addressed the team’s decision not to exercise his fifth-year option, saying “I’ve been doubted my whole life.  It just makes me go harder.  Just keep doubting me.  Just that whenever I do what I know I’m going to do, don’t try to come back to this side.  That’s all I’ve got to say”.

Becton has all the talent in the world.  He can be an all-time great.  But whatever he ends up being, will it be as a member of the New York Jets?  Time will tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Mekhi Becton Skewers Jets; Comments Can’t sit Well With Brass appeared first on JetNation.com - New York Jets Blog & Forum.

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[CSNY]

He’s really starting to get annoying

Geez Mekhi A little less talking and alot more playing. 

 

[rangerous]

Oh brother. The guy says something to these reporters who blow it all out of proportion.  I don’t necessarily see how not playing becton at right tackle is a downgrade to the position.  If a guy gets it in his head he can’t play a position then maybe he plays worse than other not so talented players.  The main thing here is what does saleh think?  He has said if becton wants left then he has to beat out brown.  Brown played well last season but it’s hard to see how a big, young, talented guy can’t win the position.

[OilfieldJet]

I hope he wins a starting tackle spot. We are a much better OL with this guy,  but he needs to win it on the field, not in interviews. That means he has to stay on the field. We will see. RT or LT, may the best man win.

[Bobby816]

This is the type of crap that gets guys traded.

[LionelRichie]

I’m sure his knee was bothering him in camp but he was also 400+ pounds.  Hard to blame the jets for being obese.  I guess they could have given him the salmon. 

[Bronx]

3 minutes ago, Bobby816 said:

This is the type of crap that gets guys traded.

Not getting traded regardless of drama.

[Joe W. Namath]

25 minutes ago, Bobby816 said:

This is the type of crap that gets guys traded.

I would agree but they have no other option at this point.  Especially when they are in win now mode.  They need becton this year.  Aaron rodgers needs becton this year.

[Dunnie]

This guy is the biggest headache and head case I have seen for an offensive lineman ... Let's hope he plays well.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
 

Edited May 23, 2023 by Dunnie

[Kleckineau]

The Becton haters have to be at least a little bit nervous at this point, right?

[Kleckineau]

42 minutes ago, Bobby816 said:

This is the type of crap that gets guys traded.

Honestly, at this point what team would trade for this guy?

He is becoming a distraction and a PR nightmare.

[Bobby816]

1 minute ago, Joe W. Namath said:

I would agree but they have no other option at this point.  Especially when they are in win now mode.  They need becton this year.  Aaron rodgers needs becton this year.

 

24 minutes ago, Bronx said:

Not getting traded regardless of drama.

I don't think he'll get traded bc we don't have great backup options there. But these are antics that get guys traded.

[FidelioJet]

Good article...

Except - Becton was not dominant as a rookie.  

 

[Smashmouth]

31 minutes ago, Joe W. Namath said:

I would agree but they have no other option at this point.  Especially when they are in win now mode.  They need becton this year.  Aaron rodgers needs becton this year.

And that's what should piss just about everyone off. This franchise is ready to win now something we have not said in 13 years and we have to listen to the 2 crybabies in Becton and Williams. Becton has contributed nothing to this team absolutely nothing and Williams knows how Important he is to the defense its not a good look . Sure Williams should get paid but I think its more along the lines of he wants a short term deal so he can get another pay day at 28 or 29. What Becton is spewing is pure bullsh*t and he's only making himself look like a complete Idiot. Becton when he did start looked dominant in some areas and bad in others he has a hard time dealing with speed rushers and his only option to get better and healthier was to lose weight and instead in year 2 he came in like a fat pig and got his ass handed to him by Lawson and it was only a matter of time before all that weight would have gotten him injured even if he didn't get rolled up on. STFU and play some football  

[Smashmouth]

40 minutes ago, Dunnie said:

This guy is the biggest headache and head case I have seen for an offensive lineman ... Let's hope he plays well.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk
 

Im not sure he can beat out Mitchell or Brown

[The Crusher]

22 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

Good article...

Except - Becton was not dominant as a rookie.  

 

Serviceable with the potential to be very good. Flashed dominance a couple times but also took himself out of games for a breather or to check a boo boo. Didn’t want to draft him, try to warm up to him and be patient but I’m lying if that’s not dying. Kids getting harder and harder to root for. Hopefully he shuts us all up this year and balls out. Who the hell knows Fido? Not me. 

[freestater]

37 minutes ago, FidelioJet said:

Good article...

Except - Becton was not dominant as a rookie.  

 

Dominant in the run game, I'll grant that. His pass protection is worrisome. 

[Warfish]

6 hours ago, CSNY said:

He’s really starting to get annoying

Yup.

1 hour ago, freestater said:

Dominant in the run game, I'll grant that. His pass protection was worrisome. 

Yup.

I'll be honest, I'm ready now for the Jets to move on from this guy.

[Jetsfan80]

4 hours ago, Bronx said:

Not getting traded regardless of drama.

Why not?  Seems clear to me the Jets have zero interest in handing him a 2nd contract (and Becton may well be on the verge of shooting his way out of town).  Maybe you wait to see if you can "showcase" him on the field prior to a trade but I wouldn't rule out a trade deadline deal. 

The longer you wait the less value he holds and you might as well get something for him if he isn't part of the org's future plans.

[Bronx]

Just now, Jetsfan80 said:

Why not?  Seems clear to me the Jets have zero interest in handing him a 2nd contract.  Maybe you wait to see if you can "showcase" him on the field prior to a trade but I wouldn't rule out a trade deadline deal.  The longer you wait the less value he holds.

Maybe because our OL is "suspect" at best.

[Jetsfan80]

3 hours ago, Bobby816 said:

I don't think he'll get traded bc we don't have great backup options there. But these are antics that get guys traded.

Perhaps not but that could change very quickly if Mitchell or Carter Warren show the coaches something to get excited about in camp.

[Jetsfan80]

2 minutes ago, Bronx said:

Maybe because our OL is "suspect" at best.

And Becton makes it any less "suspect"?  Last we saw him he was getting schooled by Lawson and the dude can't stay healthy.  He can't be counted on whatsoever.

I get that a "win-now" team can't trade away pieces that could be important but Becton may well be the type who tries to sink the ship here the next time the mean old OL coach tells him he's playing RT or nothing.  All depends whether the coaches think the juice is worth the squeeze.  

[Jetsfan80]

Not to mention @Bronx:  The OL you call "suspect" will look much, much better with a HOF QB under center.  Rodgers doesn't need Pro Bowl caliber talent at all 5 spots to succeed.  And Becton is far, far away from a Pro Bowl talent at this point, despite what he showed as a rookie.

[southparkcpa]

3 hours ago, Kleckineau said:

The Becton haters have to be at least a little bit nervous at this point, right?

JD's 1st 2 first rounders c't contribute but don't lack in giving their opinion in stead of contributing.

[southparkcpa]

3 hours ago, Joe W. Namath said:

I would agree but they have no other option at this point.  Especially when they are in win now mode.  They need becton this year.  Aaron rodgers needs becton this year.

Please...  JD blew his 1st w 1st rounders.   Thank you Joe Douglas. Thank you.

[Bronx]

2 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

Not to mention @Bronx:  The OL you call "suspect" will look much, much better with a HOF QB under center.  Rodgers doesn't need Pro Bowl caliber talent at all 5 spots to succeed.  And Becton is far, far away from a Pro Bowl talent at this point, despite what he showed as a rookie.

The value for Becton isn't worth the trade at the moment. 

[jeremy2020]

3 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

And Becton makes it any less "suspect"?  Last we saw him he was getting schooled by Lawson and the dude can't stay healthy.  He can't be counted on whatsoever.

This is the real problem. Even if he looks great in camp.. it was a problem when they counted on him last year that led to a cascade of bad decisions like handing big money to a retired player when it inevitably blew up in their face. 

Now, it seems like they're counting on him again to be the right tackle. He seems motivated to get that next contract (and woe to whatever team does so) so having hope he does well this year is cool, but counting on him to do so is a mistake. They need to be looking for more depth on the line especially at tackle. 

[Jetsfan80]

3 minutes ago, Bronx said:

The value for Becton isn't worth the trade at the moment. 

At the moment, no.  At the trade deadline after he shows something positive....perhaps.

And when has Joe Douglas allowed a little thing like low trade value prevent him from bending a team over in negotiations? 

Was Sam Darnold particularly valuable, on his expiring contract, when JD got a 2 & 4 for him?  How about Chris Herndon?  And Jamal Adams, while certainly perceived to have value at the time, was certainly not worth two 1sts & a 3rd AND a new contract while in the process of shooting his way out of town.

[BornJetsFan1983]

10 hours ago, JetNation said:

Many Jets fans have spent a large portion of the past two years telling their fellow fans and those around the NFL that if they were doubting Mekhi Becton, they would soon regret it.  The time was coming that Becton would be back to rag-dolling and pancaking defenders all over the field.  They continuously pointed out the no-brainer decision to keep the faith in the veteran tackle and reap the rewards later.

Some thoughts on Mekhi Becton from today's episode of @JetNation Radio.https://t.co/Oppa8lyYNx

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) January 6, 2023

 

But that Mekhi Becton was expected to spend this off-season and pre-season fighting for a starting job along the Jets offensive line.  However, in a wide-ranging interview with Newsday, Becton sounded more like a guy who was getting ready to fight his own team in court; both legal and that of public opinion.

An interview with Bob Glauber of Newsday and the article that followed was meant to document Becton’s return following two years battling injuries and fight to get down to a healthy playing weight.  And while the work Becton has put in to shed over 50 pounds in going from 394 to 342 is impressive, it was an array of comments about the Jets coaching staff that garnered the most attention.

In fact, at one point Becton made comments that one might expect to hear from a player preparing to file a grievance against his club for negligence.  When discussing the season-ending injury he suffered in training camp last season, Becton said he told Jets coaches he was hurting, “but no one cared” claimed Becton.

It was later that Becton said he told the team he “wasn’t feeling good” throughout camp but was told he “shouldn’t be complaining” and was simply told to “go out there and do it”.  After limping through much of practice one day, Becton said he “took a step and my knee buckled”, which as we know by now, led to another season-ending surgery.  These statements by Becton are unlikely to be taken lightly by the Jets or the NFL player’s union.

Perhaps giving Becton a chance to clear the air with coaches to get back on the right foot, Glauber asked the former first-round pick what his relationship was like with the coaching staff currently in place and Becton replied “They’re ok.  I mean, it is what it is”.  That’s not a reply that paints the prettiest of pictures.

When he wasn’t straining his relationship with the bosses at 1 Jets Drive, Becton also commented on his desire to play left tackle.  And while that on it’s own would be understandable, it was the additional commentary from Becton that may not sit well with Robert Saleh and company.

.@BrandonTierney says the Jets need to cut Mekhi Becton if he continues to publicly vent about his role: pic.twitter.com/LCrFOsl1GN

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) May 22, 2023

 

“I dominated as a left tackle my rookie year, and I was going to dominate my second year, and that unfortunate injury happened.  I’m a natural left tackle.  I’m not a right tackle.  I don’t’ care what people say.  I know I’m going to go out there and prove it.  People know what I can do.

Okay, so let’s unpack this quote.  Becton isn’t wrong about being dominant as a rookie.  We saw him tossing defenders left and right on a regular basis.  He was putting together a highlight reel that few other tackles, if any, could match.  And he may very well be a better left tackle than right tackle, but to say “I’m not a right tackle” is a poor job of putting himself before the team.

Even if Becton is better suited to play the left side, he’s also the Jets best option on the right side as of this moment.  This of course due to the fact that left tackle Duane Brown is a proven and respected veteran who has never played on the right side.  Meanwhile, Becton played on both the left and right side in college and was working as the team’s right tackle last season before being injured.

To say he’s going to come in and win the job at left tackle suggests he’s going to supplant Brown, which would likely mean a significant downgrade on the right side with either Billy Turner, Max Mitchell or Carter Warren.

Essentially, what may be best for Becton right now isn’t what’s best for the Jets.  For Becton to apparently fail to understand that is a bad look to say the least.  Becton or somebody in his inner circle has to realize this.

And perhaps most interesting was the way in which the interview wrapped up, it almost sounded as if Becton was foreshadowing his imminent departure.

Having already accused his coaches of causing his injury and giving a tepid response about his relationship with the staff, Becton addressed the team’s decision not to exercise his fifth-year option, saying “I’ve been doubted my whole life.  It just makes me go harder.  Just keep doubting me.  Just that whenever I do what I know I’m going to do, don’t try to come back to this side.  That’s all I’ve got to say”.

Becton has all the talent in the world.  He can be an all-time great.  But whatever he ends up being, will it be as a member of the New York Jets?  Time will tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Mekhi Becton Skewers Jets; Comments Can’t sit Well With Brass appeared first on JetNation.com - New York Jets Blog & Forum.

Click here to read the full story...

The writing is on the wall now. His days are numbers. Anyone that has not kept things in hoise, said bad things about the team, even obviousll stuff has been shipped out of town...haha to Seattle for a big haul at that...but my point is becton has messed up here. Many wanted him gone already with all the injuries but he never bashed the jets...now he has stepped over the line. We will see how Joe acts just I assume he won't say much and when he can move him.

Joe is right to move him, you can't let any player be bigger than the team. He knows this from Ozzy. Becton I am a fan sir and wish you would have kept your big mouth shut.

No I don't know what he can get for him but I would not be surprised to see him get shipped out before game one or later in the season

 

[Warfish]

6 minutes ago, Bronx said:

The value for Becton isn't worth the trade at the moment. 

It's higher than it could be if he gets hurt again.

Sadly, I think we're stuck in this final year with him, and he's going to be a distraction until he gets hurt again.

I wish it weren't the case, but it's hard to predict a best-case for this guy.

[BornJetsFan1983]

10 minutes ago, Jetsfan80 said:

Not to mention @Bronx:  The OL you call "suspect" will look much, much better with a HOF QB under center.  Rodgers doesn't need Pro Bowl caliber talent at all 5 spots to succeed.  And Becton is far, far away from a Pro Bowl talent at this point, despite what he showed as a rookie.

He is a rookie who hasn't played in two years. I was rooting for him to make a comeback, but he wasn't a lock to even start this year. Thankfully. I don't know if he really gets shipped before the season but I can guarantee this, joe will move him. 

[FidelioJet]

3 hours ago, Smashmouth said:

And that's what should piss just about everyone off. This franchise is ready to win now something we have not said in 13 years and we have to listen to the 2 crybabies in Becton and Williams. Becton has contributed nothing to this team absolutely nothing and Williams knows how Important he is to the defense its not a good look . Sure Williams should get paid but I think its more along the lines of he wants a short term deal so he can get another pay day at 28 or 29. What Becton is spewing is pure bullsh*t and he's only making himself look like a complete Idiot. Becton when he did start looked dominant in some areas and bad in others he has a hard time dealing with speed rushers and his only option to get better and healthier was to lose weight and instead in year 2 he came in like a fat pig and got his ass handed to him by Lawson and it was only a matter of time before all that weight would have gotten him injured even if he didn't get rolled up on. STFU and play some football  

You don't put any of this on JD?

I would think it surely should fall on his shoulders - that this team SHOULD be ready to win now.  But I don't believe it is.

Becton should be coming in here as 2nd string tops - but it's clear he was penciled in as a RT starter (no matter what they say) Other than 38 year old Brown there are no other starting caliber T's on the team.  

[Warfish]

Nevermind.

[Jetsfan80]

40 minutes ago, jeremy2020 said:

This is the real problem. Even if he looks great in camp.. it was a problem when they counted on him last year that led to a cascade of bad decisions like handing big money to a retired player when it inevitably blew up in their face. 

Now, it seems like they're counting on him again to be the right tackle. He seems motivated to get that next contract (and woe to whatever team does so) so having hope he does well this year is cool, but counting on him to do so is a mistake. They need to be looking for more depth on the line especially at tackle. 

An OT camp cap casualty could easily make Becton a bit more expendable.

Such as one of these:

• Cam Robinson, JAX:  Only available via trade rather than cut due to contract; Jaguars used a 1st rounder on LT Anton Harison
• Trent Brown, NE:  Pats only $14M under the cap; Brown saves $8M
• Halapoulivaati Vaitai, DET:  Current G who was an OT 2016-19 in Philly when JD was there; Lions drafted a G in the 5th round
• Lucas Niang / Prince Tega Wanogho, KC:  One or both are expendable following signing of Donovan Smith AND 3rd round selection of OT Wanya Morris
• Le'Raven Clark, PIT:  Expendable after Steelers took Broderick Jones; played under new OL coach in Tennessee in 2022
• Jamarco Jones, TEN:  Backup OT who could be expendable ($1.5M savings), especially after LT Andre Dillard received a big extension and the Titans drafted an OL in Rd 1.  Also has experience with new OL Coach
• Walker Little, JAX:  Decent savings as a post-June 1st cut, has both LT/RT experience.  Expendable following Harrison Rd 1 selection.

 

Or, barring one of the above coming loose and/or a lack of interest on JD's part, we could add a currently available street FA, such as:

• George Fant
• Eric Fisher
• Jason Peters
• Taylor Lewan
• Ja'Wuan James
• Cameron Fleming
• Brandon Shell
• Dennis Kelly
• Ty Nsekhe

[Cosmo]

Going forward Becton should let his on field play do the talking for him. Has a lot to prove without unnecessary distractions.