There are plenty of Philadelphia Eagles fans who are still nervous about what some undecided outcomes will look like for the 2026 season.
One of those uncertainties was what would happen to one of their offensive linemen, Lane Johnson, and whether he would retire or return in 2026. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox included Johnson among seven aging NFL stars fans would love to see return for the 2026 season.
"Great offensive linemen are hard to find, and shaky offensive line play can ruin even the best of game plans—just look at the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX for an example. Ideally, we'll see as many Hall of Fame-caliber offensive linemen on the field as we possibly can next season. That's part of the reason why we'd love to see Lane Johnson back for his age-36 season. The two-time champion and six-time Pro Bowler could also play a big role in the Philadelphia Eagles' ability to bounce back from last year's Super Bowl hangover. The Eagles will need all the help they can get along the offensive line after longtime O-line coach Jeff Stoutland decided to step down. We'd also like to see Johnson end his career with a better campaign than his most recent, which was cut to 10 games by a Lisfranc injury. Fortunately, it sounds like he'll be back for another go."
Everyone wants to see Lane Johsnon back with the Eagles in 2026
Johnson was off to an incredible start to the 2025 season, as he didn't allow a quarterback hit or sack in 262 pass-blocking snaps for the Eagles. During the Detroit Lions game in Week 11, though, Johnson's season would end with a foot injury, causing him to miss the last eight games, including the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout his 13-year NFL career, Johnson has made six Pro Bowls and been selected to two All-Pro first teams. All six of his selections at right tackle have come in the last nine years.
All indications from Adam Schefter and LeSean McCoy are that Johnson is going to return for the 2026 campaign. Johnson's teammate, Landon Dickerson, is still deciding whether to come back or retire.
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The Eagles need both of their top offensive linemen back for the 2026 season as they try to rebound from the early playoff exit last year.