Eagles Lineman Lane Johnson Says 2026 Might Be His Last Season
Eagles veteran Lane Johnson is preparing for what he believes will be his final NFL season, a rare moment of honesty from one of the league’s most respected linemen and a turning point for a franchise that has leaned on him for more than a decade.
Johnson didn’t hide from the reality. He told reporters that the 2026 season is “looking like” his last, citing the pull of responsibilities away from football and the mental clarity that comes with saying it out loud. After 13 seasons, six Pro Bowls, multiple All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl titles, the right tackle who defined the Eagles’ identity in the trenches is finally acknowledging the finish line.
Johnson’s Future Comes Into Focus
Johnson missed a few recent practices for personal reasons, and when he returned, he spoke candidly. He said going public with his plans helps “put his mind at ease,” a sentiment that reflects a player who has always been transparent about the pressures of the game.
He made it clear he still loves football, the preparation, the competition, the grind, but the priorities outside the sport are starting to outweigh the ones inside it. At 36, he remains one of the league’s elite tackles, but he is also a father, a leader, and a veteran who understands the toll of another season.
What His Departure Would Mean For The Eagles
The Eagles have never been the same team without Johnson. The numbers back it up. Since 2013, Philadelphia has averaged 0.04 EPA per play with him on the field and minus 0.05 EPA per play without him, a swing that mirrors the gap between a top-tier offense and a bottom-tier unit. His presence stabilizes everything: protection, rhythm, confidence.
He is not just a right tackle. He is the engine of the offensive line, the tone setter, the player who makes the entire operation feel secure. Philadelphia saw this moment coming. They drafted Markel Bell, a massive 6-foot-9 tackle from Miami, as a potential successor. Bell has the size and raw tools, but stepping into Johnson’s role is one of the toughest assignments in football. The Eagles know they are preparing for a future without one of the best linemen of his era.
A Hall Of Fame Resume
Johnson’s resume already reads like Canton material. Six Pro Bowls. Two Super Bowl rings. Multiple All-Pro nods. Consistent dominance at one of the sport’s most demanding positions. Analysts across the league routinely rank him among the top tackles in football, even as he enters his mid-30s.
If 2026 truly is his last ride, he will spend it doing what he has always done, anchoring the right side, playing through pain, and giving the Eagles a chance to win every Sunday. He’s built a reputation on durability, and he intends to carry that standard to the finish.
