The Eagles will have a new right guard next season after Mekhi Becton left in free agency to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. That did not stop one of his former coaches from speaking highly of him. Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland was at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa., for an event when 6ABC sports reporter Jason Dumas asked him about Becton’s departure. “It’s bittersweet,” Stoutland told Dumas. “I’m happy for him. He deserves what he gets financially, so I’m happy for him and his family. I’m sad to see him go. I really enjoyed coaching Mekhi. He’s a tremendous person who really wanted to be coached in every aspect. He’s also a great partner. I always say that you’ve got to have somebody who enjoys the process and wants to be coached. They’re not offended when you coach them, and that really was Mekhi.” Becton agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Chargers in March. He signed a one-year deal with the Eagles last offseason after deciding to move on from the Jets, the team that selected him 11th overall in the 2020 draft. Coming to Philadelphia meant a position change for the offensive lineman, who had to shift from tackle to guard, and he adjusted well. According to Pro Football Focus, Becton allowed three sacks in the first four games of the season. After adjusting to the position, he allowed only two sacks in the final 15 games—both in the divisional-round win against the Los Angeles Rams. He did not allow a sack in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, despite playing with a knee injury that nagged him throughout the season. The Eagles are expected to hold a competition for a new right guard, with Kenyon Green and Tyler Steen among the linemen who could play between center Cam Jurgens and right tackle Lane Johnson. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.