For a Philadelphia Eagles team with such strong super bowl aspirations, it all starts up front.
Ample room for star quarterback Jalen Hurts to operate is crucial, daylight for Saquon Barkley to do maximum damage is in demand, and much of the success this offense is capable of hinges not only on the health but also on the overall efficiency of the five up front.
And with Lane Johnson embarking on what might be his final season, the unquestioned pillar of this offensive line enters 2026 as the most important Eagles player outside of Jalen Hurts.
Lane Johnson might pave the way for the final time with Eagles in Year 14
While the numerous accolades Johnson has earned - including the five All-Pro selections, the six Pro Bowls, the two Super Bowl wins in three appearances - are tremendous, it's the impact he has made in the trenches for Philadelphia that stands out the most.
Fellow Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, who's battled alongside Johnson for eight seasons, marveled at his teammate's excellence when speaking with Kay Adams.
"He's the best tackle. Left, right, if there was a middle tackle he'd be better than anyone there too. He's the best tackle to play this game period, " Mailata said. "Every game we played, he's our best player."
2025 was a challenging season for several key members of the team, but perhaps none more so than Johnson. The Lis Franc injury he suffered near the midway point of the season knocked him out of action the rest of the way, leading some to speculate he could be headed to retirement. Johnson swatted those rumors away like he does opposing pass rushers, though, proclaiming he was, in fact, coming back. But now, with his recent announcement at training camp, 2026 might be the final time #65 anchors this offensive line.
For now, though, the best is back in business. Johnson has surrendered a paltry pressure rate of 2.7% over the past two seasons, the top mark amongst linemen in the NFL. In 10 games of action last season, he didn't allow a single sack in 262 pass-blocking snaps, showing he can still do it better than anyone.
If 2026 does in fact prove to be his swan song, Johnson is headstrong on going out with a bang.
"I still feel like I can be a premier tackle in this league. My movement, everything feels good. I just need to stay healthy and keep stacking, baby."
Read more: Second most important Eagles player not named Jalen Hurts wreaks havoc in trenches
There are plenty of intriguing storylines coming out of training camp for the Eagles, yet Johnson's playing status and overall impact loom larger than ever. The days of #65 dominating in the trenches may soon be coming to a close, making him the most important Eagles player outside of Jalen Hurts this coming season.
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