Eagles
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For more than a decade, Lane Johnson has been one of the constants in Philadelphia, and 2026 could become Lane Johnson’s final season with the Eagles.
Coaches have changed, quarterbacks have changed, and championship teams have risen, fallen, and been rebuilt. Through it all, Johnson has remained at right tackle.
Now, the 2026 season could become the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in Eagles history.
Johnson revealed after the Eagles’ August 8 Training Camp scrimmage that this will “potentially, probably” be his final NFL season.The 36-year-old explained that family and life away from football have increasingly shaped his thinking about the future.
Even with retirement somewhere on the horizon, Johnson enters another season believing he can still perform at a high level and help Philadelphia compete for another championship.
One More Season for an Eagles Cornerstone
Johnson enters his 14th season with Philadelphia after the Eagles selected him fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft.
He has earned six Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors, while becoming one of the central figures of the most successful period in modern Eagles history. Johnson also played a major role on both Philadelphia teams that won the Super Bowl.
His impact stretches beyond individual accolades.
Johnson became a leader inside an offensive line that helped define the Eagles for years. He played alongside Jason Kelce and Brandon Brooks before becoming the veteran presence next to Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens.
That longevity has allowed Johnson to connect different eras of Eagles football. Johnson was already protecting quarterbacks in Philadelphia years before Jalen Hurts arrived. He was there for the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship and remained a foundational player when the Eagles lifted the Lombardi Trophy again after the 2024 season.
Johnson Still Has a Major Role in 2026
Johnson’s possible retirement does little to reduce his importance to the Eagles this season.
His 2025 campaign ended early after a foot injury in November. During this year’s Training Camp, Johnson said he was back to 100 percent.
Philadelphia returns all five projected starters on its offensive line: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen and Johnson. Every member of that projected starting group was drafted by the Eagles.
Chris Kuper has taken over as offensive line coach, while offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is installing a new system. Johnson has spoken positively about the scheme and believes it can allow the offensive line to play more freely.
Mailata, Dickerson and Jurgens already provide Philadelphia with an experienced core, while Johnson brings more than a decade of NFL football to the group. His experience through playoff runs, injuries, coaching changes and championship seasons remains valuable as the offense enters another transition.
For an Eagles offense entering its first season under Mannion, having Johnson healthy on the right side could provide exactly the kind of stability the unit needs.
Philadelphia Also Has to Think About What Comes Next
Johnson’s comments also bring an important question into focus: who eventually replaces him?
Philadelphia has spent years developing offensive linemen before asking them to take major roles, and the organization continued investing in the position during the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Eagles selected Markel Bell with the 68th overall pick in the third round. The 6-foot-9, 346-pound tackle arrived from Miami as another young lineman Philadelphia can develop for the future.
Veteran Fred Johnson currently sits behind Lane Johnson at right tackle on the Eagles’ official depth chart. Bell has also received valuable work during Training Camp and has already drawn positive reviews.
Lane Johnson himself has praised Bell’s preparation, maturity and willingness to learn.
Philadelphia does not need an immediate answer at right tackle, but Johnson’s comments make the long-term future of the position increasingly relevant. make a permanent decision
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Johnson continues to be a familiar presence at Training Camp, working alongside a younger generation of Eagles linemen as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
His experience gives Philadelphia another steady voice inside a unit that continues to develop, especially as younger players compete for bigger roles and prepare for the future.
Lane Johnson’s Final Season Could Be One to Remember
There will eventually be time to evaluate Lane Johnson’s complete legacy in Philadelphia. For now, the Eagles still have another season with No. 65 protecting the right side, and Johnson believes he has plenty left to contribute.
After 14 seasons, two Super Bowl championships, six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro selections, the finish line is finally coming into view.
Johnson’s objective for 2026 remains straightforward: stay healthy, protect the quarterback and help the Eagles compete for another championship.
If 2026 becomes Lane Johnson’s final season, one of the greatest careers in franchise history still has an opportunity for one more memorable chapter.
#FlyEaglesFly
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I am originally from Córdoba, Argentina, and currently live in Montevideo, Uruguay.
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