Packers Fill O-Line Void with Becton, Tomlinson Amid Roster Shuffles

Key points

• Mekhi Becton signed with the Green Bay Packers' practice squad on Monday, ending his status as a free agent after being cut by the Los Angeles Chargers.
• Laken Tomlinson, an 11-year veteran, was signed to the Packers' 53-man roster, joining a unit that has suffered significant protection issues for quarterback Jordan Love.
• The Philadelphia Eagles showed no interest in re-signing Becton, citing concerns about his off-field conduct and a previous decision to fire his agency, according to reporter Tony Pauline.
• To accommodate the new offensive linemen, the Packers placed right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele on injured reserve and released defensive tackle Eric Johnson II.
• Both Becton and Tomlinson have prior connections to the Packers' coaching staff, having played under current offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich or former coordinators Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett.

Background

The Packers have faced a turbulent start to the 2026 season, including a recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons that exposed vulnerabilities in their offensive line. Earlier in the season, the team had already added depth at other positions, such as signing tight end Jonnu Smith and long snapper Scott Daly, but the current focus has shifted heavily to stabilizing the front line. Becton’s previous tenure with the Eagles ended after the 2024 season, and his subsequent struggles with the Chargers led to his release, making him an available veteran option for teams needing immediate help.

How outlets are covering it

Bleeding Green Nation emphasized the Philadelphia Eagles' lack of interest in Becton, noting that the team was 'surprised and disappointed' by his decision to fire his agency, which raised red flags. In contrast, Acme Packing Company focused on the logistical roster moves, detailing how the Packers had to release Eric Johnson II and place Zach Bako-Bewele on injured reserve to make room for the new offensive linemen. Packers.com highlighted Tomlinson’s durability and coaching connections, while Bleeding Green Nation noted that Becton’s career has declined since his Super Bowl LIX success, with the Chargers benching him for poor performance. The outlets agree on the urgency of the Packers' offensive line needs but differ in emphasis: Bleeding Green Nation focuses on the Eagles' perspective, while Acme Packing and Packers.com focus on the internal roster mechanics and player backgrounds.

Why it matters

The Packers' aggressive roster moves signal a critical need to stabilize their offensive line, which has been a major liability in protecting quarterback Jordan Love. The addition of veterans like Becton and Tomlinson, both with prior connections to the coaching staff, suggests a strategic effort to improve pass protection and overall line performance. The Eagles' decision to pass on Becton, despite their own interior line struggles, highlights the complexities of evaluating veteran players with off-field concerns. This situation underscores the importance of roster management and the impact of player conduct on team decisions in the NFL.

What to watch

The Packers will likely evaluate Becton and Tomlinson in upcoming games to determine if they can contribute to the active roster. The team may also make further adjustments to their offensive line if the new additions do not provide the desired stability. The Eagles will continue to monitor their own roster needs, but it is unlikely they will pursue Becton given their previous concerns. The Packers' next steps will depend on the performance of their new linemen and the availability of other players on their practice squad.