Lane Johnson is the highest-paid tackle in the NFL, and yet when it comes to accolades awards, the left tackle seems to take priority over the right tackle in the NFL.
The Eagles star right tackle is working hard to dispel that myth, and his play should show that the right tackles are just as valuable as the counterparts on the left side.
With the majority of NFL quarterbacks being right-handed, the left tackle took precedents in the value to NFL clubs because he’s was the guy responsible for guarding the signal-callers blindside.
With NFL pass rushers excelling from various schemes and formations on the field, the right tackle should be valued on the same scale as the left tackle.
While talking to Zach Berman of The Athletic at the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Johnson talked about bringing more respect to the right tackle.
“It’s hard getting here, I feel, as a right tackle,” Johnson said.
“I’m just trying to validate right tackles — that’s really it,” Johnson said. “It’s still seen as a left tackle’s game. I’m trying to change that.”
Johnson signed a four-year, $72-million contract extension in November that made him the league’s highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, yet when voting for the Pro Bowl was revealed, five of the six offensive tackles were left tackles.
The All-Pro voters just started recognizing right and left tackles separately as well.