New York Jets move slimmer Mekhi Becton to right tackle; George Fant to play left tackle

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets offensive lineman Mekhi Becton returned to the field Wednesday for the first time in 11 months, sporting a smaller waistline and playing a new position.

Becton, drafted 11th overall in 2020 as a potential franchise left tackle, played right tackle in practice and will remain there for the remainder of the season, coach Robert Saleh announced.

The shake-up had been rumored since the end of last season, in large part because George Fant, who replaced the injured Becton in 2021, played so well at left tackle. Now it's official.

«George feels much more comfortable on the left side,» Saleh said after the first practice. «He's got the athleticism to play the left side, as does Becton. It was just a better combination.»

The Jets downplayed the significance of the switch, but there's no denying that left tackle is a more prestigious and higher-paying position than right tackle. Saleh said that «this doesn't mean Mekhi's left tackle days are over,» but it's telling the team made the move so quickly without a competition.

Becton took it in stride, claiming he's not focused on prestige or money.

«Whether it's left or right, I don't really care as long as I'm on the field,» said Becton, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1.

Becton's status was cloudy in the minicamp because of his conditioning. After skipping the voluntary portion of the offseason, he showed up overweight in June, which sparked concern among the coaches. Becton, who weighed as much as 400 pounds last season during his injury rehab, was thought to be in the 390s in minicamp.

On Wednesday, he was noticeably trimmer. The organization was thrilled with his weight loss.

«I'm not going to get too much into the weight,»