Schefter Teases Major Eagles News Beyond OC Hiring: Retirement, Trade, or Something Bigger?

Adam Schefter dropped a tantalizing hint during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic on Wednesday, suggesting that Eagles news in the coming week would go beyond just the hiring of an offensive coordinator. The tease immediately became a hot topic on Birds 365, where Zander Krause, John McMullen, and Brandon Lee Gowton attempted to decipher what it could mean.

What Schefter Said

97.5 host John Kincaid relayed that Schefter, when told they'd talk next week perhaps after an OC hire, responded by suggesting there could be 'a lot more news' than just the coordinator hiring. Since player trades and free agent signings are not permitted until the new league year begins in March, the possibilities are limited — which is exactly what made the tease so intriguing.

The Leading Theory: Lane Johnson Retirement

The most discussed possibility was a Lane Johnson retirement announcement. Johnson suffered a foot injury during the 2025 season that was initially projected at four to six weeks but continued to linger, and he never returned. At his salary and age, the prognosis of that injury could push him toward stepping away. 'I think Lane probably makes the most sense,' Krause noted, adding that the injury's severity was concerning given how the timeline kept extending.

Other Possibilities

Jeff Stoutland, the Eagles' longtime offensive line coach and run game coordinator, was mentioned as another retirement candidate. McMullen noted that Stoutland has had health issues in the past, though they appeared to have been resolved. If Stoutland were to retire, it could actually simplify the OC search by removing one of the reported sticking points for candidates who want to control their own run game.

Vic Fangio, the Eagles' 67-year-old defensive coordinator, was also briefly mentioned, though this was considered less likely given the defense's strong performance in 2025.

The Conspiracy Theory: A Nick Sirianni Trade?

The most provocative theory came from Brandon Lee Gowton, who noted that while you can't trade players at this time of year, you can trade a head coach. He pointed to the Raiders and Browns — both teams with former Eagles employees and connections — as potential trade partners. 'Can I interest you in the coach with one of the highest winning percentages in NFL history?' Gowton said with a knowing smile.

McMullen acknowledged the possibility would be 'nuts' but didn't entirely dismiss the concept, noting that if the OC search has strained the relationship between Lurie and Sirianni, anything is theoretically possible. He compared the situation to how Doug Pederson's tenure ended when the coach pushed back on front office involvement in coaching hires.

For now, the Eagles community is left to speculate. Whatever Schefter is alluding to, it appears next week could bring significant developments beyond the already-dramatic OC search.

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