The New York Giants’ odds of winning the NFC East might have just gone up.
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson surprisingly announced his retirement from the NFL Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson was a surprise inactive against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, with the team citing “personal reasons”.
Johnson called it a career after 14 seasons, most of which were spent as one of the best right tackles in the NFL. He was also a real difference maker for the Eagles,
with the team going 18-28 with him on the field. This comes on the heels of an off-season that saw the Eagles lose legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland and trade wide receiver AJ Brown. DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley are dealing with injuries.
The 2-2 Eagles travel to London to play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
The Giants don’t play the Eagles until Week 9, following the Giants’ Week 8 bye. That will give them time to get tape on 22-year old rookie Markell Bell, who appears in line to take over at right tackle. Bell, a third-round pick out of Miami, was the teammate of Sisi Mauigoa, so the Giants’ pass rushers will have a good source of insight.
