As Kelvin Beachum makes his return to MetLife Stadium, the Jets’ former starting left tackle has quietly been a steady performer for his new team.
Beachum’s name wasn’t brought up often during his three years in New York from 2017-2019. That’s typically a good thing for offensive linemen. In Beachum’s case, it meant he did an admirable job protecting Sam Darnold and Josh McCown across three seasons, all while not getting the praise and recognition he deserved. Beachum often fought through injuries, but he still managed to be a more than adequate bodyguard for New York’s quarterbacks.
Despite Beachum’s value as a potential depth piece and mentor for someone like Mekhi Becton, the Jets signed swing tackle George Fant instead. The move effectively ended Beachum’s tenure in green and white.
Beachum waited four months on the free agent market before heading out west to sign with Arizona. The Cardinals brought him in to compete for the starting right tackle position with Justin Murray. Despite not playing on the right side since 2013, Beachum won the job.
Since then, Beachum has played all 281 of the team’s offensive snaps through four games.
While Beachum got tossed around in Arizona’s Week 4 loss by Panthers defensive end Brian Burns, he has otherwise been solid for Arizona. He’s got a 65.5 Pro Football Focus grade and zero sacks allowed this season. While not perfect, Beachum has given the Cardinals more stability at right tackle than they’ve had in years.
Sunday’s game won’t be a grand homecoming for Beachum, but he was a solid player in New York and should be remembered as such. Now he’s doing much of the same in Arizona as the Cardinals try to prove that they’re contenders in the NFC West.
