PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — One of the greatest players in Philadelphia Eagles history is officially coming back.
Future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson has confirmed he will return for the 2026 NFL season, marking his 14th year in the league and continuing a legendary career that has helped define one of the most successful eras in franchise history.
Johnson, 35, first revealed his plans to return in comments to the Philadelphia Inquirer, making it clear he is not ready to walk away from the game despite battling injuries late last season.
Elite Career Continues Despite Injury Setback
Johnson was playing at an elite level throughout much of the 2025 season before suffering a Lisfranc sprain in November, a serious foot injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. While he initially hoped to return in time for the playoffs, he ultimately was unable to get back on the field.
Rather than allowing his career to end due to injury, Johnson has chosen to return and continue anchoring one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines.
His durability, consistency, and dominance have been key to Philadelphia’s offensive success for more than a decade.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion and Franchise Cornerstone
Since being selected fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson has become one of the most important players in Eagles history.
His accomplishments include:
- Two Super Bowl championships with the Eagles
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections
- Multiple First-Team All-Pro honors
- Widely regarded as one of the best offensive tackles of his generation
Johnson has been instrumental in protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for the Eagles’ run game, playing a major role in both Super Bowl-winning seasons.
Coaching Change Brings New Chapter
Johnson will enter the 2026 season with a new offensive line coach for the first time in his career.
Longtime Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who coached Johnson for all 13 of his NFL seasons, departed earlier this offseason. The Eagles have hired Chris Kuper to take over the role.
Despite the coaching change, Johnson’s experience and leadership are expected to help maintain stability along the offensive front.
Sirianni: “Lane Is Special”
Head coach Nick Sirianni has repeatedly praised Johnson’s impact and importance to the team.
“Lane Johnson is, in my opinion, no question about it in my mind that he’s the best player I’ve ever been around,” Sirianni said previously. “He is one of the best players in the NFL… Lane is special.”
Johnson’s presence has had a measurable impact on the Eagles’ success, with the team historically performing significantly better when he is on the field.
Legacy Still Growing
With his return in 2026, Johnson continues to build on what is already considered a Hall of Fame career. His leadership, toughness, and elite performance have made him one of the most respected players in Eagles history.
As the Eagles look ahead to another season with championship aspirations, Lane Johnson will once again be a cornerstone of the team’s foundation.
