Fred Johnson signed a one-year, $1.33 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars last March, only to be traded back to the Philadelphia Eagles in late August in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. He played an important role for Philadelphia in 2025, filling in for Lane Johnson throughout the season, including starting eight of the final nine games at right tackle and starting at left tackle in the regular-season finale. Johnson allowed 19 pressures and two sacks across 18 games and a career high 698 offensive snaps.
Also Read: “He Will Be Missed”: Philadelphia Eagles Fans React to Losing Swing Tackle
If Johnson, the reliable swing tackle, departs in free agency, he would leave a massive void with three inexperienced backups under contract. John Ojukwu has the most experience out of the reserve tackles with nine starts across 428 snaps, while Cameron Williams has zero starts with 51 snaps, and Myles Hinton has yet to play in a regular-season game.
Philadelphia Eagles announce key backup returning in 2026
USATSI 24501019 168400517 lowres
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Fred Johnson (74) against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Eagles have re-signed Fred Johnson to a one-year deal. As a result, Philadelphia will once again have its reliable swing tackle around, but he will have a full offseason after spending most of the offseason workouts and training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. Johnson will have the entire offseason to learn the new offensive system from offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
The Eagles are re-signing OL Fred Johnson to a one-year deal, per source. pic.twitter.com/l9AvBUTPST
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2026
Fans react to the news
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles fans cheer in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Smart and safe moves from the Eagles in bringing back OL Fred Johnson back.
— Abidabi (@blackveron) March 24, 2026
Smart move by the Eagles 🦅
— Donovan Vogel (@Donnie_BROgel) March 24, 2026
Welcome back home Fred.:
— Victor Odeh (@meekrose) March 24, 2026
Yes! Was hoping they did.
— RJ (@RJSprouse) March 24, 2026
FRED!!!!
I don’t know who im happier for, myself or the @eagles social media team!!!!!
— Crimson Clio in Midnight Green🪽 (@CrimsonEag1e) March 24, 2026
most predictable move of the offseason
— Weapon X (@BDawkEnthusiast) March 24, 2026
As they should.
— Smart T. Jones (@exhaustedBS) March 24, 2026