Lane Johnson Expected Back for 2026, but Eagles’ O-Line Faces Big Questions
As the Eagles head into a pivotal offseason, one of the biggest questions hanging over the franchise appears to be getting some clarity: Lane Johnson is expected to return in 2026.
That’s according to two voices with solid ties to the league - former Eagles star LeSean McCoy and longtime NFL insider Adam Schefter. McCoy, speaking on the February 9 edition of SPEAKEASY, made it crystal clear: “Lane Johnson ain’t going nowhere.
I talked to Lane. He ain’t going nowhere.”
Schefter echoed that sentiment on 97.5 The Fanatic, saying he expects Johnson back next season, though he noted uncertainty around Landon Dickerson’s future.
Now, it’s worth noting we haven’t heard directly from Johnson yet. But based on these reports, it sounds like the All-Pro right tackle is gearing up for at least one more run in midnight green.
And that’s no small thing.
Even at 36 - Johnson hits that milestone in May - he’s still one of the best in the business when healthy. Before a Lisfranc injury sidelined him in November, Johnson was anchoring the right side of the line at an elite level, just like he has for over a decade.
The Eagles were 8-2 with him in the lineup. Without him?
They went 3-5. That’s not a coincidence.
Johnson’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s a tone-setter, a locker room leader, and a technician at his position.
Losing him for the final stretch of 2025 hurt - badly. So if he’s truly coming back, it’s a massive boost for a team looking to rebound after a disappointing finish.
But even with Johnson expected to return, the Eagles’ offensive line picture is far from settled.
Fred Johnson is likely heading elsewhere in free agency in search of more playing time, and the Birds haven’t yet found the right successor to Lane. They’ve explored that route in recent drafts, but the right fit hasn’t fallen their way.
That may need to change in 2026. Even if Lane suits up this year, the Eagles have to think long-term.
A 14-year vet coming off a significant foot injury can’t be the only plan.
Then there’s the rest of the line. Landon Dickerson’s status is up in the air, with some chatter about potential retirement.
Cam Jurgens had a rocky 2025 after showing promise earlier in his career - can he bounce back? Tyler Steen’s development is another storyline to watch.
He saw starting time last season, but whether he’s ready to take on a full-time role remains to be seen.
And let’s not overlook the coaching shift. Jeff Stoutland, the architect of Philly’s dominant offensive lines for over a decade, is no longer in the building.
Chris Kuper steps in as the new offensive line coach, and while he brings experience, following in Stoutland’s footsteps is no small task. The Eagles’ offensive line has long been the backbone of the team - maintaining that standard will be one of Kuper’s biggest challenges.
So yes, Lane Johnson returning is big. Huge, even. But it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
The Eagles have questions to answer, depth to build, and continuity to reestablish. If they want to get back to the top of the NFC, it starts up front - and that means getting this offensive line right, both for 2026 and beyond.