Lane Johnson will return in 2026, according to LeSean McCoy and Adam Schefter

son. However, there are still concerns surrounding Johnson’s future in the NFL.

Lane Johnson has been a staple of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line since he was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the top right tackles in the league, earning three Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro nod. Johnson has been a key part of the Eagles’ success over the years, including their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018.

Despite his success on the field, Johnson has faced his fair share of challenges off the field. He has dealt with injuries throughout his career, including a season-ending ankle injury in 2020 that required surgery. Johnson has also been suspended twice for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, leading to questions about his reliability and commitment to the team.

As Johnson enters the 2026 offseason, he faces a decision that could have a major impact on the Eagles’ future. At 36 years old, Johnson is nearing the end of his career and may be considering retirement. Retirement would not only leave a significant hole in the Eagles’ offensive line but also create salary cap implications for the team.

LeSean McCoy, who played with Johnson in Philadelphia from 2013 to 2014, recently expressed confidence that Johnson will return for another season. McCoy cited Johnson’s competitive spirit and love for the game as reasons why he believes Johnson will continue playing. McCoy’s endorsement of Johnson’s return is encouraging for Eagles fans who value Johnson’s contributions to the team.

Similarly, NFL insider Adam Schefter has also indicated that Johnson is expected to return for the 2026 season. Schefter’s insight into the inner workings of the NFL adds credibility to the belief that Johnson will continue playing. Schefter’s prediction aligns with McCoy’s sentiment, suggesting that there is a consensus among those close to the situation that Johnson will not retire.

Despite the optimism from McCoy and Schefter, there are still reasons to be cautious about Johnson’s future. Injuries have taken a toll on Johnson in recent years, raising concerns about his ability to stay healthy for a full season. The ankle injury that ended his 2020 season was particularly concerning, as it required surgery and a lengthy recovery process.

Additionally, Johnson’s suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs have raised questions about his commitment to the team and his willingness to follow the NFL’s rules. While Johnson has maintained that he made honest mistakes and has learned from his past transgressions, there is still a lingering cloud of doubt over his reputation.

The Eagles also face financial considerations when it comes to Johnson’s future. Johnson is under contract through the 2027 season, with a significant cap hit that would be incurred if he were to retire. The Eagles would have to navigate the salary cap implications of Johnson’s retirement, potentially limiting their ability to make other moves in free agency or the draft.

Despite these concerns, there are reasons to believe that Johnson will return for the 2026 season. His track record of success on the field, coupled with the endorsements from McCoy and Schefter, suggest that Johnson is still committed to playing football. The Eagles will need Johnson’s leadership and talent on the offensive line as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not Lane Johnson will retire rests with the man himself. Johnson’s passion for the game and his desire to compete at the highest level may drive him to return for another season. However, the physical toll of injuries and the specter of past suspensions loom large over Johnson’s future.

As the offseason progresses, Eagles fans will be eagerly awaiting news on Johnson’s decision. The fate of the team’s offensive line and the salary cap implications of Johnson’s potential retirement hang in the balance. Regardless of the outcome, Lane Johnson’s legacy in Philadelphia is secure, as one of the greatest right tackles in Eagles history.

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Source: Bleeding Green Nation