Lane Johnson retires, leaving rookie Markel Bell at right tackle for Eagles

Lane Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday afternoon, ending his Eagles career three games into his 14th NFL season. The right tackle said his personal and family priorities had changed and that he needed to focus on his mental health.

Johnson, 36, had returned for 2026 after considering retirement following last season. He started Philadelphia's first three games before missing Sunday's loss to the Rams for personal reasons. Tuesday's decision ends a career spent entirely with the team that selected him fourth overall out of Oklahoma in the 2013 draft.

Philadelphia now has an immediate opening at one of its most established positions. Rookie third-round pick Markel Bell started at right tackle against Los Angeles and played the entire game. The Eagles said Bell is in line for a second start Sunday against Jacksonville in London.

Nick Sirianni's assessment of Bell on Monday included both encouragement and work to do. The coach credited the rookie's movement on double teams and second-level blocks, while saying there were plays the team would want back. That review preceded Johnson's announcement, but it describes the recent performance of the player now expected to take the job.

Johnson leaves with 171 regular-season starts and another 15 starts in the playoffs. His honors include six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team and three second-team Associated Press All-Pro selections. He helped Philadelphia win two Super Bowls and reach a third.

Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie praised Johnson's ability to maintain his level of play under multiple coaching staffs and also recognized his advocacy for mental health awareness. The team wished Johnson and his family well in announcing the retirement.

Philadelphia enters Week 5 at 2-2 after two consecutive losses. Johnson had said during the summer that this would probably be his final season, citing the changing needs of his children and parents. His decision Tuesday brings that timetable forward and leaves the Eagles preparing for their next game with a rookie at right tackle.