One of the Eagles' legendary figures is gearing up for another season on the gridiron.
Lane Johnson, a future Hall of Fame offensive tackle, is set to return for the 2026 season, adding to an already illustrious career that spans 13 seasons, two Super Bowl victories, and a legacy of dominance. Johnson shared his decision with the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane.
At 35, Johnson was performing at an elite level in 2025 until a Lisfranc sprain in November sidelined him. Initially aiming for a playoff return, he couldn’t make it back in time, but he's determined not to let his career end on that note.
This offseason brought a change in the Eagles' coaching staff, with Chris Kuper stepping in as the new offensive line coach, replacing Jeff Stoutland, the only position coach Johnson has known in his NFL tenure.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has been effusive in his praise, stating, “Lane Johnson is, without a doubt, the best player I’ve ever been around. His impact as an offensive lineman might not always be visible, but his ability allows us to do so much on the field. He's truly special.”
The Eagles' performance with and without Johnson highlights his importance. Since 2016, their record speaks volumes:
- With Johnson: 94-41-1
- Without Johnson: 15-28
In 2025, Johnson played only 10 games but remained a force, allowing just seven pressures and no sacks, per ProFootballFocus. Despite limited play, his impact was unmistakable.
Injuries took a toll on the Eagles’ offensive line in 2025, with Johnson, Landon Dickerson, and Cam Jurgens all missing time. This was a stark contrast to their Super Bowl season when they paved the way for Saquon Barkley’s 2,000-yard campaign. A return to that form would be a significant boost.
Throughout his 13-year career, Johnson has started 168 regular-season games and 15 postseason contests. He's one of just four Eagles to secure two Super Bowl rings, alongside Brandon Graham, Jake Elliott, and Rick Lovato.
Drafted fourth overall out of Oklahoma in 2013, Johnson was the standout pick in a historically weak draft. He was the first selection of the Chip Kelly era, orchestrated by GM Howie Roseman.
Johnson's accolades include two first-team All-Pro selections (2017, 2022), three second-team All-Pro nods, and six Pro Bowl appearances (2017-19, 2022-24). He joins the ranks of Eagles greats like Jason Peters and Bucko Kilroy as one of the few to earn three consecutive Pro Bowl honors, achieving this feat twice.
As Lane Johnson prepares for another season, the Eagles and their fans can look forward to the continued excellence of a player who has become a cornerstone of the franchise.
