As Lane Johnson marks his 12th year in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles' stalwart right tackle continues to solidify his place among the league's elite. Entering a season where he'll uphold an impressive résumé — five Pro Bowl selections and two First Team All-Pro honors — Johnson remains a linchpin for Philadelphia's offense, anchoring the line with unparalleled skill and dedication.
Standing at an imposing 325 pounds, Lane Johnson does not just bring sheer size to the Eagles' offensive line but also a refined technique that's been honed over more than a decade in the league. Last season, his form was nothing short of spectacular as he allowed only 29 pressures over 547 pass-blocking snaps. With a pressure rate per dropback of a mere 5.3%, Johnson proved once again that he is one of the premier pass protectors in the game.
"I'm thinking two to three more years, realistically. But we'll see," Johnson shared, hinting at the possibility of extending his illustrious career even further. It's this mindset, coupled with his physical prowess, that has enabled him to neutralize formidable opponents such as Nick Bosa and Montez Sweat in their combined meetings. Johnson’s current contract with the Eagles extends until the 2026 season, by which time he will be 36. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his longevity in the sport.
Confidence in his enduring capabilities isn't unwarranted. "I think physically I can do what [Andrew] Whitworth and JP [Jason Peters] did. I think I can play 'til 40," Johnson remarked. His durability and performance levels suggest that emulating those late-career successful runs is entirely within reach.
Team dynamics play a crucial role in Johnson's outlook. Weighing in at 325 pounds, he is a key part of a robust Eagles offensive line that features teammates like Mekhi Becton, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata, each weighing over 330 pounds. Despite being one of the biggest men on the field, Johnson remains humble. "Mekhi's a big man, so I feel small. I can't imagine how Cam [Jurgens] feels, so, it's a good thing," he shared, lightheartedly acknowledging the sheer size of his fellow linemen.
Training and preparation have become more crucial than ever for Johnson as he eyes the latter part of his career. Reflecting on past performances and future aspirations, he noted, "We definitely don't want what happened in Tampa Bay happening again. A lot of answers to boot zero, fell and hot. We worked on that a lot. Still working on it." Improving communication and minimizing missed assignments also remain top priorities for the veteran tackle. "For us, it's about whoever is in there, the communication is good. We're not having any missed assignments, so that's progress in a good direction," Johnson stated.
Beyond the field, personal considerations weigh heavily on Johnson's mind as well. "What weighs on my mind is my kids are getting older, my dad is getting older. He had some health issues," he admitted. However, Johnson remains hopeful about balancing his professional and personal life, emphasizing, "Those are things that weigh on my mind. But at least, two, three, four good years."
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for another season, Lane Johnson's blend of experience, strength, and strategic acumen will be pivotal. Whether he continues to dominate the right tackle position for two more years or stretches his career toward the age of 40, there's little doubt that Johnson's impact on the game and the team will be enduring.