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The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense took a hit over the past week when Za’Darius Smith abruptly 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, several reports indicated the team could get some support back on defense with the possible return of Brandon Graham.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end 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 with Philadelphia. He could be in line for a 16th season if the two sides finalize a contract.
ESPN reported that he is “strongly considering” coming out of retirement to rejoin the Eagles.
Philadelphia selected Graham in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He didn’t start as a starter. It took him a few seasons for him to earn the role of a full-time passer and one the Eagles could consistently rely on.
Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the game between the Chicago Bulls and the 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 nod of his career in 2020. He had eight sacks that season. He suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2 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 franchise’s depth in the Eagles’ front seven. Graham, 37, would be called upon to bring some kind of jolt to the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) with the team’s 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)
The team’s starting linemen include Azeez Ojulari, Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean and Jalyx Hunt. The second-string linebackers include Josh Uche, Jihaad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and Patrick Johnson.
