For 13 seasons, Lane Johnson has been the most reliable thing on the Eagles’ offensive line. Now the future Hall of Famer is telling the city that his time is running out.
Johnson told reporters on a Saturday in August that the 2026 season probably will be his last. He made the comments after returning to the team following four practices missed for an excused personal matter.
A decision rooted in family
Johnson made it clear this isn’t about losing his love for the game. He said his mother’s ongoing health issues have brought his priorities into focus, and that as players age, children grow older and parents need more attention. He also pointed to his oldest child turning 13, noting how pivotal those years are and how hard it is to get the time back.
Johnson, who turned 36 in May, also explained why he chose to say it publicly. He said he wanted to put his own mind at ease.
The road to this point
The announcement follows a turbulent offseason. Johnson suffered a Lisfranc foot fracture in Week 11 of last season, avoided surgery, and the injury never healed enough for him to return. He missed the final seven regular-season games and the wild-card loss to the 49ers. Meanwhile, the departure of longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland added to a month of uncertainty about Johnson’s future before he confirmed he’d be back.
What Philadelphia is losing
The numbers explain why the Eagles have dreaded this moment. Since 2016, the Eagles are 94-41-1 with Johnson and 15-28 without him. Only Jason Peters and Jason Kelce, with seven each, have made more Pro Bowls among Eagles offensive linemen than Johnson’s six. He has started 168 regular-season games and 15 playoff games since Philadelphia drafted him fourth overall in 2013. His résumé also includes two Super Bowl rings.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has not been shy about his regard for him. Last September, Sirianni said Johnson is the best player he’s ever been around.
Eyes on the present
Despite the retirement talk, Johnson insists his focus remains on football. He wants his final year to be a strong one and hopes to finish with a Super Bowl win. He told reporters his attention is on the Eagles and on playing, and that retirement will be a fun transition later.
The team is already looking ahead. Bell, who is noted for his size, could be groomed as Johnson’s successor, though filling his role will be a major challenge. His contract also offers flexibility. The Eagles signed him to an extension through 2027 in March 2025, so the final decision is his.
For now, Eagles fans have a season to enjoy and a goodbye to prepare. If Johnson walks away after 2026, he’ll leave as one of the best right tackles the game has seen and one of the most important players in franchise history.
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