Fred Johnson Returns to Philadelphia Eagles: A Look at His Role and Future with the Team
The Philadelphia Eagles are continuing to shape their roster for the 2026 season, with the recent signing of offensive tackle Fred Johnson to a new one-year deal. Fred had explored free agency in 2025 but returned to the Eagles after a short stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His presence became crucial last season when starting tackle Lane Johnson was sidelined with a Lisfranc injury, allowing Fred to step in and contribute.
Despite being offered a contract to stay in Philadelphia last season, Fred opted to seek a starting role elsewhere. However, his time in Jacksonville did not lead to the desired outcome, prompting his return to the Eagles. In 2025, Fred played a career-high 626 offensive snaps but faced challenges as the Eagles' offensive line struggled, impacting the team's running game. Despite the difficulties, Fred performed admirably in his role as a backup to Lane Johnson.
Fred's decision to return to the Eagles for the 2026 season suggests that he has embraced his role as a backup and believes he can excel in that position with the team. With a new offensive line coach, Chris Kuper, on board, Fred's development and future with the Eagles will be worth monitoring. The team's commitment to retaining Fred indicates their confidence in his abilities and potential contributions moving forward.