Brandon Graham Considers Return to American Football with the Eagles
Following Za’Darius Smith’s retirement, former Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is seriously considering coming out of retirement to sign with Philadelphia. Sources close to the league reveal that negotiations are in an advanced stage.
Graham, who played 15 seasons in Philadelphia, became the player with the longest tenure in the history of the franchise. Now, the two-time Super Bowl champion could extend his legacy if he reaches an agreement with the Eagles this week.
At 37 years old, Graham returned from a triceps injury to play in last season’s Super Bowl, helping the Eagles win their second championship in what was believed to be the final game of his NFL career.
Although he retired in the offseason, he misses the game and has considered returning. Smith’s recent decision has created an even greater need for the Eagles, and both sides are close to finalizing the deal.
Smith announced his decision on Monday morning, marking an unexpected departure of a productive player in a crucial position for Philadelphia.
The Eagles began the season with questions at the defensive end position following the departures of Graham and Josh Sweat. The situation worsened when Nolan Smith Jr. was placed on the injured reserve list with a triceps injury. Ogbo Okoronkwo was also added to the injured list after the Week 4 game.
Graham holds the Eagles’ record for regular season games played (206) and is third in franchise history with 76.5 sacks. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2020 and achieved his first double-digit sack season in 2022, with 11.
His interception and subsequent recovery of the ball from Tom Brady in the final moments of Super Bowl LII secured the victory over the New England Patriots and awarded the first Lombardi trophy to the city of Philadelphia.
