For Philadelphia Eagles fans, the thought of Lane Johnson not being on the field is probably a strange one.
For more than a decade, Johnson has been a fixture on the Eagles’ offensive line. He’s been through the highs, the lows, the Super Bowl win, the tough seasons and just about everything else that comes with playing in Philadelphia.
Now, though, it looks like the end could finally be getting close.
Johnson revealed Saturday that 2026 will probably be his final season in the NFL.
And honestly, it doesn’t feel real.
Johnson is 36 years old, and at this stage of his career, retirement was always going to become part of the conversation. But hearing the player himself talk about potentially walking away makes it different.
This isn’t necessarily a retirement announcement. Johnson left the door open, saying this is probably his last year. Still, Eagles fans have every reason to look at the upcoming season a little differently.
Because if this really is the final chapter, Johnson deserves a pretty special ending.
One Last Run?
The timing is interesting.
Johnson isn’t simply coming back to collect a paycheck and ride off into the sunset. The Eagles still have serious expectations, and another Super Bowl run would obviously be the perfect way for him to finish his career.
That’s easier said than done, of course.
The NFL doesn’t care about fairytale endings. Injuries happen. Teams get hot at the wrong time. One bad afternoon in January can end an entire season.
But if Johnson can stay healthy and Philadelphia finds itself in the playoff mix, you can bet his teammates will know exactly what’s at stake.
There’s something different about playing a season when you know it could be your last.
Every training camp practice matters a little more. Every big win feels a little more meaningful. Even the frustrating moments become part of the final memories.
And Johnson has certainly built up plenty of memories in Philadelphia.
A Huge Piece of the Eagles’ Identity
Johnson joined the Eagles as the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s gone from highly touted prospect to one of the most respected offensive tackles of his generation.
He’s also been part of some enormous moments in Eagles history.
He was on the team that won Super Bowl LII, earned Pro Bowl selections and established himself as one of the leaders of the locker room.
That’s what makes his potential departure so significant.
The Eagles aren’t just losing an offensive tackle when Johnson eventually walks away. They’re potentially losing one of the last major links to an important era of the franchise.
And replacing that kind of player isn’t as simple as finding another tackle in the draft.
You can replace a position.
Replacing experience is much harder.
What Happens After Lane?
That’s probably a conversation Philadelphia would rather not have right now.
The Eagles have plenty of young talent, but Johnson’s departure would create a major hole on the offensive line. Whoever eventually takes over at right tackle will have enormous expectations placed on them.
And Eagles fans know how important that position is.
Keeping Jalen Hurts upright isn’t exactly a minor responsibility.
That’s why Johnson’s final season, if it is indeed his last, could be about more than just saying goodbye. It could also be an important transition period for the Eagles as they figure out what life looks like without one of their longtime leaders.
For now, though, there’s still football to play.
Johnson isn’t retired.
He’s still an Eagle.
And he’s still got one more season to make some noise.
Maybe the story ends with another playoff run. Maybe it ends with a Super Bowl parade down Broad Street.
Or maybe football simply decides that it’s time.
Whatever happens, Eagles fans should probably enjoy watching No. 65 while they can.
Because after everything Lane Johnson has given Philadelphia, the 2026 season could be the final time we get to watch one of the franchise’s most recognizable players protect the quarterback.
And if this really is the end, there’s only one question left:
Can Lane Johnson ride off with another Super Bowl ring?
