Eagles Make Another Roster Move, Release Veteran Offensive Lineman

The Philadelphia Eagles have continued reshaping their roster as they look toward the future. While the team hasn’t officially called 2026 a rebuild, its recent moves suggest a focus on evaluating young talent. After releasing Hollywood Brown, the Eagles made another move, parting ways with Fred Johnson.

Fred Johnson was the primary swing tackle in 2024, starting six games at left tackle while Jordan Mailata was injured. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in that offseason, but Philadelphia quickly reacquired him prior to the 2025 season. Fred Johnson had eight starts at right tackle while filling in for Lane Johnson, allowing two sacks and 18 total pressures.

However, the role he held the season prior was no longer guaranteed, with the Eagles drafting Markel Bell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The swing tackle battle between the two was one of the top storylines of Eagles training camp, which Johnson ultimately lost to the rookie.

That battle proved far more consequential than originally thought after Lane Johnson announced his sudden retirement following the Eagles’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Bell assumed the starting role and has struggled; per PFF charting, Bell has allowed 19 total pressures, including five sacks, while being flagged for four penalties.

Many fans wanted the coaching staff to turn to Fred Johnson in hopes of continuing their postseason streak to six seasons in a row, but now that the playoffs are clearly out of reach, it makes sense that the Eagles would rather get a further evaluation of Bell, with them having the assets to potentially draft a high-end prospect at the tackle position.

Fred Johnson is now the third offensive lineman to start multiple games last season who is no longer with the Eagles, joining the aforementioned Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Philadelphia’s Remaining Offensive Line Options Are Limited

The Eagles currently do not have a third tackle behind Mailata and Bell on the active roster. It seems likely that John Ojukwu will be either signed to the active roster or elevated on game day, as he is the only tackle on the practice squad. Ojukwu was previously elevated when the Eagles took on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.