The end of his career is certainly near for 35-year-old Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson — just not until he plays at least 1 more season.
While the return of Johnson instead of retirement has been looked at as a positive for the Eagles in 2026, one NFL reporter doesn’t think that outcome is set in stone as the Eagles try to win their 3rd Super Bowl in the last decade.
“The noise around A.J. Brown is only getting louder, and the constant upheaval on the coaching staff isn’t ideal,” Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame wrote. “Additionally, is this the year right tackle Lane Johnson falls off and the offense struggles as a result of all these factors?”
Johnson is a 5-time NFL All-Pro and 2-time Super Bowl champion destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once his career is over. He also missed the final 7 games of the 2025 regular season with a foot injury and didn’t play in a 23-19 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card Round.
Johnson has $163.4 million in career earnings and is due to make another $23 million in 2026.
“With that Lisfranc injury that he had … there was speculation he needed to have surgery and he hasn’t had surgery,” former Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas said during a radio appearance on February 5. “I don’t mean to be that guy, but I think he’s done. You would think at this point we would have an update on surgery if he’s had surgery … I’m recklessly speculating but I’m being honest. I think he’s gone. I think he’s just waiting to make the announcement.”
Eagles Could Replace Johnson With 1st Round Pick
USA Today’s post-free agency mock draft has the Eagles taking 6-foot-7, 317-pound Clemson offensive tackle Blaker Miller in the 1st round, at No. 23 overall, to eventually be Johnson’s replacement.
From USA Today: “The All-ACC right tackle might be too good to pass up — especially for lineman lover Howie Roseman — given Lane Johnson is in year-to-year mode and missed Philly’s final eight games, including the playoffs, last season.”
It would be the 1st time the Eagles have drafted an offensive player in the 1st round since wide receiver DeVonta Smith at No. 10 overall in 2021, and the 1st time they’ve drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round since offensive tackle Andre Dillard at No. 22 overall in 2019.
Dillard made 9 starts in 3 seasons for the Eagles and never developed into a full-time starter.
Tracking Blake Miller’s Path to Elite NFL Prospect
Miller, an Ohio native, became a 4-year starter at Clemson, where he was the first full-time freshman starter on the offensive line since 1972 and ended his career as a 3-time All-ACC selection.
“Ultimate iron man at right tackle with 54 career starts,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “Miller has unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright. His hands lack accuracy and command in both phases, but he can recover and make blocks with a finisher’s mindset. Miller is rarely beaten by rush games, but he has his edges attacked because of his hand issues. He will encounter difficulties at the next level without better pad level, core strength and cleaner technique. If he tightens up in those areas, Miller can become a solid NFL right tackle.”
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