Bold claim: The Eagles will have their two key offensive linemen back in 2026, and that return could be the difference-maker for Philadelphia. But here’s where it gets nuanced and worth a closer look. Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson are both slated to return for the 2026 season, according to multiple reports. Let’s break down each player, their past impact, and what their 2026 presence could mean for the team.
Lane Johnson
Johnson has long been a cornerstone at right tackle, delivering elite play when he’s on the field. That status was clear in 2025 until a Lisfranc injury sidelined him for the final eight games, a stretch during which the Eagles went 3-5. To put that impact in context, here’s how Philadelphia’s win-loss record looks in games Johnson didn’t dress for since 2016:
- 2016: 2-8
- 2017: 1-0
- 2018: 0-1
- 2019: 3-1 (0-1 in playoffs)
- 2020: 2-7
- 2021: 1-3
- 2022: 1-1
- 2023: 1-0
- 2024: 1-1
- 2025: 3-5
- TOTAL: 15-27 (0.357)
Interesting contrast: the Giants have a winning percentage of 0.336 since 2016. So, when Johnson isn’t in the lineup, Philadelphia still edges out New York, but only by a slim margin.
There was chatter on social media that Johnson might retire, especially with Jeff Stoutland no longer serving as the Eagles’ OL coach. But, per Spotrac, Johnson is owed roughly $41.7 million in cash in 2026, creating a strong financial incentive to continue playing. That makes retirement unlikely from a practical standpoint.
On Thursday morning, reporter Jeff McLane confirmed Johnson’s return, adding a tangible note of reassurance for Eagles fans.
Landon Dickerson
Dickerson’s career has featured high peaks and tough battles. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2022, 2023, and 2024. A highlight reel from 2024 showcased his pancake-blocking prowess as part of an Eagles’ offensive line that was dominant that season.
The 2025 campaign told a different story. Dickerson fought through a series of injuries, both publicly acknowledged (like an August meniscus procedure) and others he kept private. Postgame locker-room interactions after the playoff loss to the 49ers offered a candid glimpse into the physical toll the season took on him.
Dickerson’s durability history is notable from his college days, where he carried several significant injuries into the NFL:
- November 2016: Torn ACL, right knee
- October 2017: Right ankle surgery, ending his season
- 2018: Recurring left ankle issues caused most of the season
- December 2020: Torn ACL, left knee
Through five NFL seasons, Dickerson has avoided a solo, catastrophic injury but has racked up a notable amount of wear and tear. He is set to earn roughly $19 million in cash in 2026, which echoes Johnson’s financial draw to stay in the game. Dickerson has always struck this observer as a football-lover who enjoys the camaraderie of the locker room and the on-field competition, suggesting he wouldn’t eagerly walk away from the sport if his body allows him to continue.
Reports from Derrick Gunn indicate that Dickerson will indeed return for 2026, though whether he can reclaim the form he displayed prior to 2025 remains to be seen.
Bottom line: the 2026 season hinges on the health and performance of two veterans who carry substantial financial and leadership weight for the line. If both can stay healthy and regain peak form, Philadelphia’s offensive line could be a strength again rather than a point of concern. As the season approaches, the big question will be whether Dickerson’s durability rebounds and whether Johnson’s timing and explosiveness return to their former highs.
Thought-provoking angle: some fans and analysts might wonder whether the team should lean more on younger talent or push for a rebuild on the interior line if durability remains an issue. Do you think investing in a longer-term solution at guard is worth sacrificing a year or two of potential playoff contention? Share your take in the comments.
Follow-up notes: for the latest updates on these players, you can check coverage from Jeff McLane and local outlets like PhillyVoice. If you’d like, I can summarize the latest news as more reports come in or tailor this overview to emphasize fantasy impact or team-building implications.
