Eagles Facing Uncertain Future in the Trenches as Landon Dickerson Reportedly Weighs Retirement
The Philadelphia Eagles are staring down a critical offseason, and the hits just keep coming-literally and figuratively. As if a late-season collapse and questions about coaching weren’t enough, the offensive line-long a cornerstone of the team’s identity-is now facing a potential shakeup that could redefine the unit entirely.
First came the news that long-time offensive line coach and run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland is stepping away after 13 seasons. That alone is a seismic shift.
Stoutland wasn’t just a coach-he was the architect behind one of the NFL’s most consistently dominant lines. His departure leaves a void that will be tough to fill, both in terms of leadership and schematic continuity.
Then there’s Lane Johnson. The All-Pro right tackle missed the final eight games of the 2025 season with a foot injury, and now there’s growing uncertainty about whether he’ll return at all. Johnson has battled through injuries before, but at this stage of his career, the toll is real, and retirement is reportedly on the table.
Now, add Landon Dickerson to the list of potential departures-and this one might sting the most.
According to reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, Dickerson is considering retirement after a grueling 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old left guard has been a fixture on the Eagles’ line since arriving in Philly, and his physical, aggressive style has made him one of the most respected interior linemen in the league. But the wear and tear of the past season may be catching up with him.
Dickerson suffered a meniscus injury during training camp that required a procedure before the season even began. He still managed to gut out 15 games, but the impact was noticeable. He wasn’t quite the same player fans had grown accustomed to over the previous three seasons-a stretch that saw him earn three straight Pro Bowl nods and help anchor a Super Bowl-winning offensive line in 2024.
The numbers tell the story. In those 15 games, Dickerson allowed 32 pressures, seven quarterback hits, and five sacks.
He also committed five penalties. His Pro Football Focus grade came in at 67.2-good for 30th among 81 qualifying guards.
Solid, but a far cry from the elite level he’d consistently played at before the injury.
For a player who’s already dealt with a fair share of injuries dating back to college, the decision to step away wouldn’t be shocking. But it would be devastating for an Eagles team already dealing with major questions up front.
If both Johnson and Dickerson were to retire, the Eagles would be losing two foundational pieces of their offensive line in one offseason. That’s not just a personnel issue-that’s an identity crisis.
Philadelphia has built its offensive success, particularly in the run game, on the backs of its line. And while the team has some young talent in the pipeline, depth is already a concern.
Losing two starters-especially ones of this caliber-would leave the Eagles scrambling.
And that’s before even addressing the coaching situation. With Stoutland gone, whoever steps into that role will inherit a group in flux. They’ll be tasked with developing young talent, possibly replacing two Pro Bowlers, and trying to maintain the physical dominance that’s defined this team’s offensive philosophy.
There’s still time for things to shake out. Dickerson hasn’t made a final decision, and Johnson’s status remains up in the air.
But make no mistake-this is a pivotal moment for the Eagles. A franchise that just two years ago hoisted the Lombardi Trophy is now facing a potential rebuild in the trenches.
For a team that’s prided itself on toughness and continuity up front, the next few months could determine whether they stay in the hunt-or start over.