Following the 2023 season, Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox retired. These choices ended the careers for 2 of Philadelphia’s ‘Core 4’ gamers, however Brandon Graham and Lane Johnson stay within the fold.
The latter made it clear within the aftermath of the Eagles’ wild-card loss that he would not give consideration to retiring. Johnson’s newest feedback on his future verify that stance, though the five-time Professional Bowler is conscious his adorned profession is winding down. In the meanwhile, at the very least, he will be penciled into the beginning lineup up entrance.
“I believe bodily, I can do what [Andrew] Whitworth did and [Jason Peters], I can play till I’m 40,” Johnson stated, via PHLY’s Zach Berman. “With my motion, you ask coaches, you ask gamers, I believe bodily I can do it…I’m pondering two to 3 extra years, realistically. However we’ll see. It’s laborious to step away from one thing you’re keen on, and one thing you’ve completed for therefore lengthy.”
On the age of 34, Johnson has a protracted solution to go if he’s to significantly ponder matching what Whitworth and Peters have been capable of accomplish. Citing his household as a cause for stepping away from soccer comparatively quickly, although, his given timeline would set him as much as retire effectively earlier than reaching the age-40 mark. The 2-time All-Professional is below contract by way of 2026.
Johnson’s deal requires cap hits ranging between $15.87M and $18.7M throughout that span, and he’s owed $20M every of the subsequent three years. Possibility funds are due on September 1 for all three years earlier than the contract voids, a setup which had his future retirement in thoughts when the pact was labored out final yr. The Eagles are set to hold vital useless cash prices after Johnson hangs up his cleats by way of the addition of void years, however alterations could possibly be made relying on his enjoying future.
The Tremendous Bowl LII winner is among the many highest earners for offensive linemen in NFL historical past, however his continued robust play deep into his profession has him positioned to stay an unquestioned RT starter for the subsequent few years. Johnson’s choice on his enjoying profession will seemingly stay a speaking level for him and the Eagles. No less than in the meanwhile, retirement might not be a entrance burner challenge.
