Eagles' Lane Johnson Reveals Decision for 2026 NFL Season Amid Retirement Buzz

Six-time Pro Bowler Lane Johnson confirmed to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane he intends to suit up for a 14th season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The veteran offensive tackle is signed through 2028, but he turns 36 in May and missed seven games in 2025. His playing status wasn't necessarily assured.

The offensive line has been one foundation for the Eagles' success going back to their Super Bowl title in 2017, but the key figures from the unit aren't getting any younger.

Legendary center Jason Kelce retired after the 2023 season. Johnson is into his mid-30s, while Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson are 28 and 27, respectively. In a January interview with NJ Advance Media's Cayden Steele, Mailata discussed his eventual retirement, which he "hinted could come sooner than people expect."

The departure of longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland made it even more important to keep the line intact for the most part.

Stoutland might be gone, but the combined presence of Johnson, Dickerson and Mailata will maintain a lot of continuity with Chris Kuper coaching the O-line and first-year coordinator Sean Mannion leading the offense as a whole.

Having Johnson make his decision now is also good for the front office and coaching staff because they can head into free agency and the NFL draft with a firmer idea of the team's priorities.

The Eagles used the No. 4 overall pick in 2013 when they had Jason Peters anchored to the left side of the line. At the time, Peters was coming off a ruptured Achilles.

History could repeat itself to some degree this spring if general manager Howie Roseman wants to proactively identify a long-term replacement for Johnson.

The urgency to use an early round pick on an offensive tackle is at least less acute now that the two-time All-Pro is on board for 2026.