Another ominous take on the current state of the Philadelphia Eagles surfaced in the City of Brotherly Love this week, continuing an early offseason already replete with upheaval and uncertainty.
Speaking on the WIP Midday Show, former Eagles star defensive end Hugh Douglas shared his thoughts regarding team leader and offensive tackle Lane Johnson. When asked about both Johnson's serious injury concerns, as well as the sudden departure of his beloved offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Douglas feared it could spell the end of the line on the gridiron for the five-time NFL All-Pro tackle.
"With that Lisfranc injury that he had, we don't know what happened with that, because I was just thinking about that," said Douglas. "There was speculation that he needed to have surgery, he hasn't had surgery, I don't think it's gotten better, so I hate the be that guy today, but maybe he's done."
"I would think that, at the end of the season, you would probably have some news about, are we having surgery or not, or his next move, I don't think we've heard anything if I'm not mistaken," Douglas added. "We haven't had an update. I'm recklessly speculating, but he's retiring."
Stoutland's sudden exit further heightens the uncertainty
Douglas has never been one to mince words through the years, and certainly nothing is set in stone. It's a hot take for sure, one that certainly isn't music to the ears for both the organization and fanbase - but it remains a real possibility, nonetheless.
After signing a one-year, $25 million extension last March, the two-time Super Bowl champion and longtime anchor of the Philadelphia offense is due $41.7 million next season. Plagued by a Lisfranc injury near the midpoint of this past season, Johnson seemed to inch closer and closer as the first-round showdown with San Francisco loomed, but he would never return.
The timing of Stoutland's exit also clouds the overall picture of Johnson, who has always spoken with the utmost admiration for his longtime offensive line coach. Johnson arrived in Philadelphia as a former quarterback-turned-tight end before flourishing into an iconic punisher in the trenches.
Read more: Eagles' $2.7 million playmaker definitely won't make anymore plays in Philly
Johnson has repeatedly credited his longtime line coach for spearheading his remarkable development over thirteen seasons, making Stoutland's recent exit all the more significant.