Could the Colts be interested in a mammoth sized former top first round guard during the upcoming free agency period?
According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts are listed as a ‘perfect free agent fit’ for former New York Jets’ 2020 11th overall pick, now Philadelphia Eagles free agent starting offensive guard Mekhi Becton:
Indianapolis Colts: G Mekhi Becton
The Colts are quietly navigating uncertainty at right guard, with both Will Fries and Mark Glowinski on the market. If neither one returns to Indianapolis, Becton would be a shrewd signing.
In his first year with the Super Bowl champion Eagles, Becton enjoyed a career year, including on RPOs. His 82.6 overall PFF grade on RPOs this past year ranked fifth among qualified guards. Colts head coach Shane Steichen has run the most RPOs in the NFL since he took over in 2023, and that will likely only proliferate next year.
Given Steichen’s connections to the Eagles’ coaching staff, especially offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Colts received a favorable impression of Becton and paid him as such.
Still only 25-years-old, the big bodied 6’7,” 363 pound guard had a career rejuvenation with the Super Bowl winning Eagles offense in 2024, recording a +70.7 overall grade during 15 starts, which ranked the 20th highest among all offensive guards this past season.
Given Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s familiarity and similar offensive play-calling to the current Eagles offense—which features another dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, PFF’s rationale at least makes a bit of sense for connecting Becton to the Colts in free agency—particularly regarding his road paving prowess in the RPO game.
What doesn’t though is that if the Colts are going to somewhat splurge in free agency for a starting offensive guard, why not just retain their own standout free agent guard, Will Fries?
Fries ranked as PFF’s 4th best offensive guard this past season (+86.9 overall grade), albeit was unqualified with a season-ending tibia injury after just 5 starts.
The Colts already know Fries, having drafted him in 2021 with a 7th round pick, and he’s spent the past four seasons with their organization. Maybe Fries’ lucrative next deal could price Indianapolis out, but if we’re talking ‘perfect fits,’ it would have to be him over Becton one would think. Or at the very least, a free agent upgrade at starting safety or cornerback for their depleted secondary.