Lane Johnson Expected Back for 2026: A Crucial Boost for the Eagles’ Offensive Line
There’s a lot up in the air for the Philadelphia Eagles heading into 2026, but one of the biggest questions appears to be settling - and it’s good news for fans in midnight green. Lane Johnson, the heart and soul of the Eagles’ offensive line, is reportedly planning to return for another season. And make no mistake: that decision could carry massive weight for a team looking to bounce back after a disappointing playoff exit.
Johnson, 36, has long been one of the NFL’s premier right tackles. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, a six-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time All-Pro.
But beyond the accolades, his presence on the field has consistently been a stabilizing force for Philadelphia's offense. When Johnson is healthy and in the lineup, the Eagles’ offensive line tends to function at an elite level.
When he’s not, the drop-off is noticeable - and costly.
In 2025, Johnson was off to a vintage start. Through 262 pass-blocking snaps, he hadn’t allowed a single sack or quarterback hit.
That kind of clean sheet in pass protection is rare, even for a player of Johnson’s caliber. But in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, his season came to a screeching halt with a Lisfranc injury that sidelined him for the final eight games, including the Eagles’ playoff loss to the 49ers.
That injury not only ended Johnson’s season but left a gaping hole on the right side of the line - a void the Eagles never truly filled down the stretch. Now, with longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland stepping down, the need for veteran leadership in the trenches is more urgent than ever. Johnson’s return won’t just be about performance; it’ll be about continuity, mentorship, and setting the tone for a unit that’s been one of the league’s best under Stoutland’s guidance.
According to reports from Adam Schefter and LeSean McCoy, Johnson is indeed gearing up for a return in 2026. That’s a huge sigh of relief for Philadelphia, especially with fellow lineman Landon Dickerson still undecided about his own future. If both return, the Eagles will have a strong foundation to build on as they try to regroup and make another deep postseason run.
Johnson’s legacy in Philly is already secure, but there’s a sense he’s not quite done yet. And if he can stay healthy, there’s every reason to believe he can still play at a high level. For a team that thrives on dominating the line of scrimmage, getting No. 65 back in the huddle could be the difference between another early exit and a serious push for another Lombardi.
Bottom line: Lane Johnson isn’t just coming back - he’s coming back with something to prove. And that’s exactly what the Eagles need.