Lane Johnson is staying put, Eagles fans.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ stalwart right tackle and two-time Super Bowl champ is officially gearing up for his 14th NFL season. Despite swirling rumors about his potential retirement, Johnson has confirmed he’s not hanging up his cleats just yet.
At 36, Johnson faced speculation about his future, especially after finishing the 2025 season on the injured list. The departure of Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles’ respected offensive line coach, added fuel to the retirement chatter. However, former Eagles star LeSean McCoy shared that Johnson assured him of his return, and NFL insider Adam Schefter echoed those sentiments.
Financially, stepping away would have meant leaving a substantial sum on the table, a factor that likely played into Johnson's decision to stay.
The Eagles are undoubtedly thrilled to have their All-Pro tackle back in action, particularly with some uncertainty looming over other spots on the offensive line. Chris Kuper is stepping in to fill Stoutland’s shoes, and Johnson’s presence will be crucial during this transition.
Johnson’s decision doesn’t rule out the Eagles eyeing an offensive tackle in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With an eye on the future, they’ve been scouting potential successors for Johnson. Drafting a rookie could provide valuable depth, allowing the newcomer to develop as a swing tackle before eventually stepping into a starting role.
The bottom line? The Eagles are a stronger team with Johnson anchoring the line, and his return is a big win heading into the new season.