Robert Saleh says Mekhi Becton is the starting right tackle for the Jets

Mekhi Becton’s climb back to the starting lineup is complete. After another solid performance Saturday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh officially named Becton the starting right tackle.

Robert Saleh said that “as of now” Mekhi Becton is the starter at RT.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 27, 2023

Becton was moved into the starting lineup this week following two strong games with the second team against the Panthers and Buccaneers. After making the move to right tackle, the door was open for Becton to return to the starting lineup following the struggles of Billy Turner and Max Mitchell.

Becton left no doubt that he should be the man following a strong week with the first team and blocking for Aaron Rodgers. Now he gets to do for the entire season, as long as he stays healthy.

At least for now, the front five — the best five as Robert Saleh had always said he would play — will be LT Duane Brown, LG Laken Tomlinson, C Connor McGovern, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker and RT Becton. Perhaps down the line, Joe Tippmann will replace McGovern.

It was a long road back for Becton following a second straight season lost to a knee injury. He got into arguably the best shape he’s been in since coming into the league, losing 50 pounds this offseason. Rodgers himself even called Becton’s growth over the last month “spectacular”.

Aaron Rodgers said the way Mekhi Becton has grown over the last month has been “spectacular”.

Called him a “mountain of a man”. #Jets

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 27, 2023

He had motivation following the Jets declining his Fifth-Year Option. Now he has a chance to cash in this season. That starts Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.