Eagles' Lane Johnson Says He 'Realistically' Can Play 2-3 More Years Before Retiring

Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who is currently signed through the 2026 season, isn't certain he will be extending his stay beyond that contract.

The 34-year-old stalwart told reporters on Wednesday that he feels he could physically compete until age 40, but can only play for "two to three more years, realistically" (h/t The Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski and Bleeding Green Nation's Brandon Lee Gowton.)

Johnson is heading into his 12th season with the Eagles after earning his fifth career Pro Bowl nomination while remaining one of the best tackles in the league in 2023.

He is set to remain a key part of the Eagles' new-look offense under coordinator Kellen Moore.

Johnson said in June that he is "looking forward" to working with Moore, and has repeatedly praised Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, so he has plenty of reason to want to stay with Philadelphia now and into the future.

But this is not the first time Johnson has hinted he is considering retirement.

Johnson said in November 2022 that he wanted to play "maybe two more years" after the 2022 season (h/t Kempski).

Four months later, he signed his latest contract with the Eagles. The deal restructured his existing deal and added another year in a contract "designed to effectively end in 2027 with the expectation that Johnson will either retire or be released," per Over the Cap.

If Johnson does plan to retire at the end of that deal, the Eagles may need to work on developing offseason acquisition Mekhi Becton as a potential replacement, or select an offensive tackle in a future NFL draft.

For now, Moore and the Eagles will continue leaning on Johnson to anchor the offensive line around Hurts heading into the 2024 season.