Lamar's former Louisville teammate could be Ravens’ ideal offseason upgrade

Once a teammate, always a teammate.

Louisville v Florida State
Louisville v Florida State | Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

When it comes to offseason priorities, the Baltimore Ravens have plenty to consider: finding a viable backup quarterback, shoring up the pass defense, and shoring up their offensive line. While Baltimore's O-line was largely solid in 2024, inconsistent play and penalties from the guard spots raised questions. Could former first-round pick Mekhi Becton be the answer?

Becton, a hulking 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman, is set to hit free agency after revitalizing his career with the Eagles in 2024. Once a top pick for the Jets, Becton battled injuries and struggled to find his footing early on. But after a position switch to guard with Philadelphia, he has emerged as one of the NFL's best run blockers.

Given Baltimore's run-heavy offense and Becton’s history with Lamar Jackson, the fit seems almost too good to ignore.

The connection goes beyond scheme. Becton and Jackson played together at Louisville, with Becton starting as a freshman in 2017 and helping pave the way for Lamar’s electric playing style. That familiarity could translate into instant chemistry on a Ravens line that has shown flashes of dominance but could use a physical upgrade.

Ravens should look to reunite Lamar Jackson with Mekhi Becton in the offseason

Becton’s potential impact on Baltimore’s offense can’t be overstated. In Philadelphia, he proved he’s more than just a big body—he’s a mauler in the run game with surprising mobility for his size. His Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade of 78.1 in 2024 ranks among the best at his position (15th out of 127), and he’s been praised for his ability to overwhelm defenders at the line of scrimmage.

For Baltimore, that skill set would be transformative. Pairing Becton with Ronnie Stanley on the left or Tyler Linderbaum on the interior could give the Ravens one of the league’s most dominant fronts. Heck, he could slot right alongside Roger Rosengarten on the right side too.

His presence would directly impact Lamar’s ability to thrive as a dual-threat quarterback, opening lanes for designed runs and giving Derrick Henry and Justice Hill the room they need to maximize their production.

What makes Becton even more enticing is his versatility. While he’s thrived at guard, he has experience at tackle, giving the Ravens flexibility if injuries arise. That versatility could also appeal to offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who would likely see Becton as a chess piece for creative run schemes.

The Ravens’ offense is built on physicality, and few players embody that better than Mekhi Becton. With his size, power, and connection to Lamar, he’s tailor-made for Baltimore’s system. He’s also just 25 years old, meaning he could be a long-term fixture on the line.

While signing Becton won’t come cheap—he’s expected to command a deal in the range of $15 million annually—it’s a move worth making for a team built to win now. With Lamar in his prime and Baltimore poised for another playoff run, adding a player like Becton could be the final piece of the puzzle.

In the NFL, the margin between good and great is razor-thin. For the Ravens, signing Becton could be the move that tilts the scales toward greatness.

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