In Philly, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. The Eagles have built a reputation for their grit, determination, and never-back-down mentality. And this season? That energy was on full display, not just through the team’s success but also through the veterans who’ve been the backbone of this squad for years.

Enter Lane Johnson—Philadelphia’s iron wall. At 35, most linemen would be slowing down, but Johnson? He’s built different. He’s been through battles, faced injuries, and still dominates like he’s in his prime. And he’s not done yet. “It’s very possible,” Johnson said about playing through 2027. “I think when you get to this stage of your career, you take it year-by-year. But physically, I feel really good.” And honestly, with the way he’s still wrecking defenders, why stop now?

The writing was on the wall. Fifteen games, zero sacks allowed. There’s no debating it—Lane Johnson was dominant in 2024. His Pro Football Focus grade of 88.9 says it all. And when he played, the Eagles thrived, going 13-2 with him on the field. No guesswork, no hypotheticals—just elite protection that gave Jalen Hurts time to operate. This offense wasn’t the same without him, and it showed.

But while Johnson’s future is still being written, another Eagles legend just closed the book. After 15 seasons, Brandon Graham is retiring. The numbers? 76.5 sacks, 153 QB hits, 22 forced fumbles. But stats only tell part of the story. Graham wasn’t just a pass rusher—he was the heartbeat of this defense.

And if you need a defining moment? Super Bowl LII. That strip sack on Tom Brady? It’s the kind of play that gets statues built. The Eagles don’t win that game without him, and his name is forever etched in Philly sports history. Even in 2024, at 36 years old, Graham wasn’t coasting. A November triceps injury should’ve ended his season. Instead, he fought his way back in time for Super Bowl LIX, helping the Eagles take down the Chiefs. That’s who he was—a competitor to the very end.

His retirement speech? Raw and real. “I gave everything I had, everything I had in this. I don’t have no regrets,” Graham said. He made sure to credit Philly fans—the same ones who once doubted him. “We didn’t start so tight, as you know. You made me work for this, and I appreciate you for that.” No hard feelings. Just respect earned the hard way.

So, where do the Eagles go from here? One era ends, but the mission stays the same. Graham’s legacy is cemented, while Lane Johnson is still in the trenches, refusing to back down. The past, the present, the future—it’s all connected. And if there’s one thing we know, Philly always rides for its legends.

Eagles’ 2025 offseason: Old legends, new faces, and a reloaded roster

Philly’s skyline may be shifting, but don’t mistake the shifting winds for a rebuild. The Eagles aren’t dismantling; they’re reloading. Coming off a deep playoff run, the front office had a monumental task ahead: Who stays? Who’s shown the door? And, most crucially, how do they maintain the firepower needed for another crack at immortality?

First move: Locking in Lane Johnson. The Eagles weren’t about to let their indomitable right tackle even entertain the idea of departure. They came through with an $8 million addition over two years, guaranteeing him a staggering $30 million. At 35, Johnson remains an immovable force—his presence ensuring that Jalen Hurts has the protection to continue his ascent. The Eagles have their anchor for the next half-decade.

Next, the Eagles turned their attention to the offensive juggernaut. Saquon Barkley, fresh off an MVP-caliber year, inked a two-year, $41 million extension, securing $36 million guaranteed with another $15 million in incentives. Meanwhile, defensively, Zack Baun was handed a three-year, $51 million deal, underscoring Philly’s commitment to a roster that’s as well-rounded as it is dangerous. Offense, defense—they’re building a dynasty on both fronts.

But with every offseason comes sacrifice. This time, it was the secondary. Darius Slay and James Bradberry, two cornerstones of Philly’s formidable pass defense, are moving on. In the trenches, Josh Sweat and Milton Williams were shown the door as well. The price of sustained excellence is high—when you’re on top, others want your best players.

Yet one thing’s clear: Philly’s window is wide open. With a perfect blend of veteran leadership and eager, hungry talent, this team is built to chase another championship. Change is inevitable in the NFL, but the Eagles’ mission remains unchanged: add to their legacy, stack more wins, and secure another Lombardi.