Fred Johnson
Getty
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Fred Johnson.
The Philadelphia Eagles may have learned a lesson from the 2025 season when it comes to their offensive line — it’s good to have a lot of depth.
The Eagles made a move to shore up that depth on Tuesday by re-signing offensive tackle Fred Johnson after he started a career-high 8 games in 2025, filling in for NFL All-Pro right offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
“The Eagles are re-signing OL Fred Johnson to a one-year deal, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote on his official X account.
Coming back to the Eagles is a huge bonus for the team but represents a pretty big setback for Fred Johnson, who talked a big game headed into free agency.
“I feel like I proved this year that I’m a starter in this league,” Johnson told PennLive’s Johnny McGonigal in January. “I don’t think there’s any going back now. There’s no going back to the swing tackle role, the guy who fills in. I think I’ve shown that I’m a starter, and I’m here to get what I deserve.”
It turns out the free agency market wasn’t what Johnson thought it would be, and he’s back with the Eagles … where he could very well be the swing tackle or the swing guard once again.
Eagles Won Super Bowl With Fred Johnson on Roster
The Eagles felt strongly enough about Johnson to bring him back after he left in free agency for a 1-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, sending a 7th round pick to the Jaguars to get Johnson back right before the start of the regular season.
“Another Eagles trade: Jaguars are sending OTFred Johnson back to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on August 24. “Johnson now returns to the team he played for from 2022-‘24.”