Former Florida Gators offensive lineman Fred Johnson has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles, according to a Friday report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 29-year-old from West Palm Beach, who starred at Royal Palm Beach High School before playing for the Gators from 2015-18, leaves Philadelphia as a Super Bowl LIX champion and a longtime contributor on the Eagles’ offensive line.
Johnson, listed at 6-foot-7 and 326 pounds, appeared in 58 games with 14 starts during his time with the team, which began when he joined the practice squad in November 2022.
He re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year deal this past offseason after starting a career-high eight games in 2025 while filling in primarily for Lane Johnson.
This season has been different. With Lane Johnson’s in-season retirement and the Eagles turning to rookie third-round pick Markel Bell at right tackle, Johnson’s role shrank.
He played in seven games but logged just 24 offensive snaps and 22 special-teams snaps.
The Eagles (2-7) are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and a Week 10 bye, and the release of Johnson comes a day after they parted ways with wide receiver Hollywood Brown.
The team has undergone significant offensive-line changes, and the move continues a shift toward younger players up front.
For Florida fans, Johnson’s story is one of persistence.
A three-star recruit who committed to the Gators over several Power-conference offers, he arrived in Gainesville after playing mostly basketball in high school and only one full season of high-school football.
He played in 43 games with 32 starts—primarily at right guard—and earned recognition for community service while in Gainesville.
After going undrafted in 2019, he bounced through the Steelers, Bengals, and Buccaneers before establishing himself in Philadelphia as a reliable swing tackle who could start when needed. Earlier this year he returned to campus to complete his degree from the University of Florida.
Johnson is a vested veteran and will need to clear waivers before becoming a free agent.
At 29, with a Super Bowl ring, experience at both tackle spots, and a track record of stepping in when called upon, the Palm Beach County product should draw interest from teams seeking experienced depth.
His path from Royal Palm Beach and the Swamp to a championship roster remains a point of pride for Gators fans, even as his latest chapter with the Eagles comes to an end.
