The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for the 2026 season with veteran right tackle Lane Johnson confirmed to return for his 14th year, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Johnson’s decision to continue playing comes despite recent coaching changes on the offensive line, providing a reliable presence for the team as they rebuild their strategy.
Even with the departure of longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Johnson remains committed, offering stability for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion as the Eagles adjust their approach. Chris Kuper is expected to take over coaching duties, signaling likely alterations to the scheme, but Johnson’s veteran experience positions him well to adapt quickly to new systems.
Johnson’s Career Achievements and Draft History
Lane Johnson has built an impressive resume during his time with the Eagles, including two Super Bowl victories. His accolades feature two first-team All-Pro selections, three second-team All-Pro honors, and six Pro Bowl appearances. Drafted fourth overall in 2013 out of Oklahoma, Johnson has been a consistent cornerstone of Philadelphia’s offensive line since the start of his NFL career.
Ongoing Trade Discussions Surrounding AJ Brown
While Johnson’s future with the Eagles is settled, uncertainty clouds veteran wide receiver AJ Brown’s status. Brown was seen engaging in a tense exchange with head coach Nick Sirianni during the Eagles’ playoff defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, sparking speculation about his potential departure.
Trade rumors have intensified, with ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler highlighting the situation on the show Get Up. Fowler relayed input from multiple NFL executives, suggesting the Eagles are likely to at least consider offers for Brown due to his apparent dissatisfaction.
“Well, some people I’ve talked to around the league, some executives of other teams, do expect that the Eagles will at least entertain a trade for AJ Brown, who was unhappy on numerous fronts,”
Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Insider
“I mean, name the counts where he looked like he was miserable out there, body language wasn’t good. So something has to give, that’s sort of the feeling right now.”
Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL Insider
AJ Brown’s Impact and Performance Record
AJ Brown, a 2019 second-round pick from Ole Miss, has established himself as a major playmaker in the league. He contributed to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX campaign and earned three Pro Bowl selections along with a second-team All-Pro honor. Brown recently completed his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, marking six such seasons in seven years—a testament to his consistent production.
However, the current tensions suggest that the Eagles may need to reevaluate their roster, especially if Brown’s commitment remains in question. His talent remains undeniable when fully engaged, but the team’s future plans may hinge on resolving these internal issues.
Lane Johnson just told me that he’s officially returning for a 14th season with the #Eagles.
Having the future HOF right tackle will be key as HC Nick Sirianni alters the offense under new OC Sean Mannion in 2026.
The Eagles will also have a new O-line coach after Jeff… pic.twitter.com/bQfPPIWR9m
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) February 19, 2026
