New York Jets head coach, Robert Saleh, didn’t mince his words when responding to left tackle Mekhi Becton’s bold declaration ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Becton was drafted in 2020 to be Gang Green’s left tackle, however, he is hardly in a position to make demands after the last two years due to spending more time rehabbing from injuries than on the field following the 2020 season.
The Louisville product suffered a right kneecap injury in 2021 and missed the entire season after having surgery, however, he returned in time for the 2022 training camp and got injured again, leading him to miss the entire year before even playing a preseason down.
Jets HC Robert Saleh conveyed his response to Mekhi Betcon on left tackle role
With some additions to Gang Green’s offensive line this offseason, Mekhi Becton was projected to be at the right side of the line heading into 2023. Heading into the final year of his contract, the 24-year-old isn’t impressed by becoming a right tackle as left tackles reportedly get paid more than right tackles and he later tweeted to remind everyone of his natural position in a since-deleted tweet saying “I. AM. A. LEFT. TACKLE!!!”
The Jets head coach Robert Saleh was asked about the tweet at the rookie minicamp on Saturday afternoon and he replied with a sarcastic remark saying “Go earn the left tackle.”
Robert Saleh on Mekhi Becton and the Jets' left tackle position:
"Go earn the left tackle." pic.twitter.com/6Ftr4ySRRz
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 6, 2023
However, Saleh also gushed about the 6-foot-7 tackle for his impressive performance this offseason and expressed excitement to see him glorifying the football field.
“He looks good. He looks fantastic, really. He’s attacking this offseason the right way and I’m excited for him”, the head coach said.
The former first-round pick will be heading into the final year of his rookie contract and the franchise declined his fifth-year option on Tuesday worth up to $13.5 million.
Saleh’s response highlights the competitive nature of the Jets organization and the high expectations they have for their players. Becton will undoubtedly have to work hard to win and keep his starting position on the team, albeit his confidence and determination are expected to serve him well in the upcoming season.
