Brandon Graham initially retired after winning his second Super Bowl with the Eagles during the 2024 season. The Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of the 37-year-old veteran aligns with defensive inconsistencies this year versus the Broncos and the Giants. Yet, his role on the unit is gaining speculation.

According to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports, “Vic Fangio says ‘we’ll see’ when asked about how Brandon Graham can help. Brought up his conditioning level and retention from last year.”

Philadelphia’s defense has given up 806 running yards on 173 runs, averaging about 4.7 yards per attempt, and has given up 18.5 points per game. The pass rush lacks third-down stops and edge disruption, placing it close to the bottom of the league. Brandon Graham remains one of the franchise’s all-time top pass rushers and offers veteran presence to stabilize a young defensive line. With the likes of Za’Darius Smith’s sudden retirement leaving an edge-rusher void, his return carries even more weight.   

Saquon Barkley, on the other hand, has been a reliable offensive player. This season, he has recorded 369 running yards on 113 attempts, providing dependability in the face of inconsistent defense. His 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns propelled Philadelphia’s run to the Super Bowl last year, which was supported by a defense led by Graham at the time. With Graham on the team, the Eagles finished in the top five in 2024 for both run defense and sacks.

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Carrying experience from Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni, his return could improve execution, experience, and leadership. Graham may boost containment and sack productivity right away by mentoring younger players and drawing double teams.

Philadelphia’s hope is to bring back a proven defender to turn edge-pressure from a liability into tight run-defense containment. The signing marks a significant pivot for the franchise to fix defensive turbulence.

Brandon Graham is “all in” for the Eagles

Brandon Graham’s return is a defining moment for Philadelphia’s struggling defense. The Eagles, once built on relentless pressure, have fallen short on that front this season. 

“Honestly, I felt great even coming out of that game. Before I found out, I tore my tricep again, and now my tricep feels good, fully healed, got everything checked. It’s more like just feeling you could still add value and help the team in any way, and they know what they’re getting with me 100 percent of the time, I’m all in,” Brandon Graham said on the SportsRadio 94 WIP.

Brandon Graham spent 15 seasons in Philadelphia, playing 206 regular-season games, recording 76.5 sacks and 23 forced fumbles. He was dominating in the game during the regular season. In week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams, he suffered a torn triceps injury and then played well in Super Bowl LIX upon his return from injury, only to re-tear the muscle. After his retirement, Graham turned to the media with the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

Graham’s addition provides both production and leadership that the Eagles’ younger unit needs. In a home game versus the Denver Broncos, they surrendered an 18-point fourth-quarter collapse and lost 21-17, ending a long home-winning streak. Shortly afterward, the Eagles were dominated by the New York Giants in a 34-17 loss where the defense lacked pressure and physicality.

The Eagles may reclaim the championship balance that characterized their dominance the previous season if Barkley maintains his offensive rhythm and Graham brings back the explosiveness of the defense.