Lane Johnson’s reported contract extension could prolong his playing career

Posted on March 24, 2023 - Last Updated on March 27, 2023

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, who said he wants to play only two more years, received a one-year contract extension that would carry him through the 2026 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

That would be four seasons from now, now two. Johnson was under contract through 2025.

The reported deal is for $33.445 million for the extra year with $30 million guaranteed. Will this guaranteed money keep Johnson on the field longer than he anticipated?

For the level of Johnson’s play, that is excellent news for the Eagles. Johnson is 32 years old. He was named first-team All-Pro this past season. He also earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

Johnson hasn’t allowed a sack since the Roman Empire was in vogue, or so it seems. Pro Football Focus reports that Johnson’s last allowed sack was in Week 11 of 2020.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni isn’t shy about praising Johnson, repeatedly calling him the best tackle in football.

Johnson is recovering from surgery last month to repair a torn adductor. Johnson suffered the injury on Christmas Eve against the Cowboys. He decided to hold off on the surgery to play in the playoffs. His performance in the playoffs matched his regular season — he protected quarterback Jalen Hurts and helped the running game dominate.

Johnson’s extension might change the Eagles’ thinking about next month’s draft. With the 10th and 30th overall picks, the Eagles could do what they often do — select an offensive lineman.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., has the Eagles selecting Northwestern tackle Peter Skoronski at No. 10. The Eagles have holes on defense that the draft could address. They lost both starting safeties and two of their three linebackers to free agency.

Johnson’s contract extension also will provide the Eagles with some salary cap relief. Johnson’s salary-cap hit of $24.2 million for 2023 will be reduced to $14.8 million, according to The Inquirer.

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Chuck Bausman

Chuck Bausman is an Eagles writer for Iggles.com. Chuck formerly was the Executive Sports Editor of the Philadelphia Daily News and the Executive Sports Editor of the Courier-Post in South Jersey. He learned how to cuss by watching Philly sports.

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