The Philadelphia Eagles intend to keep retired right tackle Lane Johnson on their active roster through the remainder of the 2026 season to avoid immediate salary-cap complications, ESPN's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. Although the veteran has ended his playing career, retaining his roster spot allows the organization to postpone the bulk of the financial consequences until 2028.

Placing Johnson on the reserve/retired list would reportedly trigger the acceleration of previously paid signing and option bonuses, creating a substantial salary-cap burden in 2027. By keeping him on the roster until June 2, Philadelphia can delay that outcome and give its front office more time to resolve the financial implications of his departure.

Johnson received a $21.7 million option bonus before the season, which was divided into two payments of $10.85 million. One payment was due within 15 days of the option being exercised, while the other was scheduled to arrive on or before December 1, 2026. Johnson is expected to return several million dollars, although the precise amount remains undetermined. Discussions involving the NFL Players Association and the NFL management council are ongoing.

The decision comes with a roster-related cost. The Eagles must carry Johnson despite his retirement, leaving fewer spots available for other players. That constraint contributed to Philadelphia releasing veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on Friday, reducing their quarterback depth chart from three players to two.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are attempting to address sweeping changes along their offensive line. Johnson's retirement coincided with the trade of two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens. Philadelphia sent Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round selection and a 2028 second-rounder.

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With Jurgens gone and center Drew Kendall unavailable because of a knee injury, the Eagles signed Jake Majors to the active roster. Rookie Markel Bell is expected to handle right tackle duties, while John Ojukwu was elevated for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

That said, Philadelphia is not expected to begin a broader roster selloff. General manager Howie Roseman could use the additional 2028 second-round pick to acquire a player who can contribute immediately rather than necessarily saving it for the future.