Perhaps the Stoutland University era is coming to an end, but the Philadelphia Eagles just received the update they needed to move forward. In a move that has sent a wave of relief through the entire city, right tackle Lane Johnson has officially decided to return for his 14th NFL season in 2026.
Reported first by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, the news comes at a time when the franchise is undergoing a massive offensive restructure. For a team planning to move on to next season, keeping a future Hall of Famer on the edge is the best news they could receive right now.
A pivotal man in time of change
The 2026 season will look remarkably different. Earlier this month, the NFL world was stunned when Jeff Stoutland, the architect of the Eagles’ elite line for 13 years, resigned to take a year away from coaching.
Lane Johnson will now be the bridge between the old guard and the new. He is set to lead a unit that, for the first time in over a decade, will report to a new positional coach: Chris Kuper. Arriving from the Minnesota Vikings, Kuper faces the challenging task of following the shadow of a legend, but having someone like Johnson alongside him simplifies the transition a lot.
Johnson missed the final eight games of the 2025 campaign, including a disappointing playoff exit against the San Francisco 49ers, due to a grueling Lisfranc foot injury.
The importance of a next HOF
Heading to his 14th season, Johnson is already a sure bet for the Eagles’ Hall of Fame and a strong candidate for Canton. Two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time All-Pro, he remains one of the few tackles in the league who can consistently shut down an opponent’s best pass rusher without help.
By choosing to play in 2026, Johnson has another chance to prove his level before retirement. His commitment suggests he believes the window for this current Eagles core under Nick Sirianni and a revamped staff, is still wide open.
What great news for the Eagles’ fanbase his return means.
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