Brandon Graham mulling Eagles return: reports
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense took a hit last week when Za’Darius Smith suddenly decided to retire from the NFL following the team’s loss to the New York Giants.
Ahead of the Eagles’ Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings, multiple reports indicated that the team could get some help on defense with the possible return of Brandon Graham.
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Graham, 37, retired after the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He was the longest-tenured Eagles player in franchise history, spending 15 seasons in Philadelphia. It could be a candidate for the 16th season if the two parties sign a contract.
ESPN reported is “strongly considering” coming out of retirement and rejoining the Eagles.
Philadelphia selected Graham in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He didn’t start out as a starter. It took him a few seasons to earn his role as a full-time pass rusher and someone the Eagles could consistently rely on.
Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles watches the game between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on April 13, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
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Graham earned the only Pro Bowl nomination of his career in 2020. He had eight sacks that season. He suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in the second week of the 2021 season, which cost him the rest of the year. He returned to the field in 2022, playing in all 17 games and recording a career-high 11 sacks.
He retired with 76.5 career sacks and 487 total tackles. He was on two of the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning teams.
Smith’s retirement depleted the depth of the Eagles’ lineup in the front seven. Graham, 37, could be counted on to bring some kind of shakeup to the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) with team safety Dom DiSandro after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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The team’s starting defenders include Azeez Ojulari, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean and Jalyx Hunt. Second-string linebackers include Josh Uche, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Patrick Johnson.
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