Lane Johnson might not be saying anything publicly about his plans for 2026, but his actions are speaking loud and clear. The Eagles’ veteran right tackle recently popped up in a workout video from Rooks Performance, an Oklahoma-based training center, and let’s just say - he doesn’t look like a guy ready to walk away from football.
In the clip, Johnson is seen pulling five sets of a 655-pound deadlift. That’s not just a strongman flex - that’s elite-level lineman strength, and more importantly, it’s a sign that Johnson is still operating at a high physical level.
At 35 years old and coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for the final seven games of the regular season and the Eagles’ wild-card loss to the 49ers, there were legitimate questions about whether Johnson would hang up the cleats. But if this video is any indication, he’s not done yet.
Before the injury, Johnson was playing at an All-Pro level. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn’t allow a single sack or quarterback hit in the 10 games he played.
That kind of pass protection is rare - and it’s been a staple of Johnson’s game for years. He’s long been one of the best in the business at keeping his quarterback clean, and when healthy, he remains a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line.
There’s another layer to this, too. With Jeff Stoutland - the longtime offensive line coach and one of the most respected voices in the building - not returning for the 2026 season, Johnson’s presence takes on even more importance.
He’s not just a great player; he’s a tone-setter, a leader, and a mentor. If he’s back, he becomes a bridge between the old guard and whatever the Eagles’ offensive line looks like moving forward.
Financially, Johnson is still a major piece of the puzzle. He’s set to count $20.2 million against the salary cap next season, the fourth-highest number on the team. His deal runs through the 2027 season, and if he’s going to play, the Eagles will want to get every bit of value out of that investment.
But beyond the dollars, his return could be pivotal for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who’s expected to bring a Shanahan-style outside zone run game to Philadelphia. That scheme thrives on athletic offensive linemen who can move in space, reach the second level, and create running lanes by taking out linebackers and safeties.
That’s Lane Johnson’s wheelhouse. His footwork, agility, and ability to move laterally are tailor-made for that kind of system.
Continuity is another major factor. With reports swirling that left guard Landon Dickerson is considering retirement and the team potentially needing a new right guard to replace Tyler Steen, Johnson’s return would help stabilize a group that’s been one of the best in football over the last several years.
The Eagles could also look to draft his successor in April, and having Johnson in the building to mentor a young tackle would be invaluable. He’s the kind of veteran who can teach the finer points of technique, preparation, and professionalism - the stuff you can’t always coach from the sideline.
So while there’s still no official word from Johnson himself, the message from that video is clear: he’s not done yet. And if he’s gearing up for another season, the Eagles’ offensive line - and their offense as a whole - just got a lot more interesting heading into 2026.