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Lane Johnson believes the 2026 season will probably be his last, placing additional attention on the player who could eventually replace him at right tackle. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Markel Bell in the third round of April’s draft with Johnson’s eventual retirement in mind. After watching Bell throughout the offseason program and training camp, the six-time Pro Bowl tackle feels comfortable with the direction Philadelphia could take.
Johnson also expressed confidence that Bell will do a good job when given his opportunity. Here are the biggest takeaways from Johnson’s potential retirement and his endorsement of the rookie.
Johnson has discussed his future before, but he previously left open the possibility of playing multiple seasons. His latest comments provided the strongest indication that retirement is approaching. The 36-year-old said his parents have dealt with health concerns and his children are getting older. Johnson still loves football and remains capable of playing at an elite level, but responsibilities outside the game have become more important.
Nothing is official, and Johnson could reconsider after the season. Still, Philadelphia must operate as if 2026 will be his final year.
Bell was already viewed as a potential successor to Johnson, but that possibility feels more immediate following Saturday’s comments. The rookie played left tackle at Miami, but Philadelphia began working him on the right side during the spring. Bell also received first-team repetitions while Johnson missed four training camp practices because of a personal matter. The Eagles will continue developing Bell at both tackle positions, but his clearest path to a starting role could open when Johnson retires.
Johnson has spent 14 seasons competing against some of the NFL’s best defensive linemen. He understands the physical ability, preparation and mentality required to play offensive tackle at a high level. Calling Bell one of the best rookies he has encountered is more than routine veteran praise. Johnson previously complimented Bell’s maturity, work ethic, movement skills and willingness to accept coaching.
That doesn’t guarantee Bell will become an elite starter. It does suggest Johnson sees the necessary foundation.
Bell’s size and athletic ability give the Eagles something to develop, but transitioning from left tackle to right tackle requires time. The footwork, hand placement and protection angles feel different, especially for a rookie adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
Training camp and the preseason will give Bell opportunities to prove he can become Philadelphia’s top reserve tackle. The Eagles do not need him to replace Johnson immediately, allowing him to spend an entire season learning behind one of the best right tackles in NFL history.
Replacing Johnson was always going to be one of the Eagles’ most difficult roster-building challenges. Players with his combination of strength, athleticism, technique and experience are rarely available.
Philadelphia may not find another Lane Johnson. The more realistic objective is developing a dependable starter before the position becomes an emergency.
Drafting Bell one year before Johnson’s potential retirement gives the Eagles time to evaluate and prepare him. If Johnson follows through and retires after the season, Bell will have spent his rookie year studying the player he could replace.
Johnson’s comments made the end of an era feel closer. His confidence in Bell also provided the Eagles with an encouraging glimpse of what could come next.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Instant analysis of Lane Johnson saying 2026 season could be his last
Continue reading...
Johnson also expressed confidence that Bell will do a good job when given his opportunity. Here are the biggest takeaways from Johnson’s potential retirement and his endorsement of the rookie.
Lane Johnson’s retirement comments feel different.
Johnson has discussed his future before, but he previously left open the possibility of playing multiple seasons. His latest comments provided the strongest indication that retirement is approaching. The 36-year-old said his parents have dealt with health concerns and his children are getting older. Johnson still loves football and remains capable of playing at an elite level, but responsibilities outside the game have become more important.
Nothing is official, and Johnson could reconsider after the season. Still, Philadelphia must operate as if 2026 will be his final year.
Markel Bell moves to the front of the succession plan.
Bell was already viewed as a potential successor to Johnson, but that possibility feels more immediate following Saturday’s comments. The rookie played left tackle at Miami, but Philadelphia began working him on the right side during the spring. Bell also received first-team repetitions while Johnson missed four training camp practices because of a personal matter. The Eagles will continue developing Bell at both tackle positions, but his clearest path to a starting role could open when Johnson retires.
Johnson’s endorsement carries significant weight.
Johnson has spent 14 seasons competing against some of the NFL’s best defensive linemen. He understands the physical ability, preparation and mentality required to play offensive tackle at a high level. Calling Bell one of the best rookies he has encountered is more than routine veteran praise. Johnson previously complimented Bell’s maturity, work ethic, movement skills and willingness to accept coaching.
That doesn’t guarantee Bell will become an elite starter. It does suggest Johnson sees the necessary foundation.
Bell still has important work ahead.
Bell’s size and athletic ability give the Eagles something to develop, but transitioning from left tackle to right tackle requires time. The footwork, hand placement and protection angles feel different, especially for a rookie adjusting to the speed of the NFL.
Training camp and the preseason will give Bell opportunities to prove he can become Philadelphia’s top reserve tackle. The Eagles do not need him to replace Johnson immediately, allowing him to spend an entire season learning behind one of the best right tackles in NFL history.
Philadelphia may have timed the transition perfectly
Replacing Johnson was always going to be one of the Eagles’ most difficult roster-building challenges. Players with his combination of strength, athleticism, technique and experience are rarely available.
Philadelphia may not find another Lane Johnson. The more realistic objective is developing a dependable starter before the position becomes an emergency.
Drafting Bell one year before Johnson’s potential retirement gives the Eagles time to evaluate and prepare him. If Johnson follows through and retires after the season, Bell will have spent his rookie year studying the player he could replace.
Johnson’s comments made the end of an era feel closer. His confidence in Bell also provided the Eagles with an encouraging glimpse of what could come next.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Instant analysis of Lane Johnson saying 2026 season could be his last
Continue reading...
