Something big is brewing for the Philadelphia Eagles. After playing through five games this season, Eagles’ defensive end Za’Darius Smith decided it was time to hang up his cleats. This left a major gap that needs to be filled. But who steps up for head coach Nick Sirianni and the team? Not a new name. NFL insiders believe a name ingrained in Philly football could make a return: the defensive legend Brandon Graham.

As Adam Schefter reports on X, “With Za’Darius Smith retiring, the former Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham is now strongly considering coming out of retirement to sign with Philadelphia… Graham played 15 seasons in Philadelphia and became the longest-tenured Eagle in the franchise history. The two-time Super Bowl champion now could be close to building upon those marks if he and the Eagles can finalize a contract this week, according to sources.”

The Eagles’ defense has taken quite a lot of hits this year. Brandon Graham had hung up his cleats after dominating in the last Super Bowl. Linebacker Josh Sweat now lines up with the Arizona Cardinals. As for Philly’s existing stars, the defensive backfield looks rather thin with injury setbacks.

Linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. landed on the injury reserve with a triceps injury after appearing in just three games. The recent acquisition from the Cleveland Browns, defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, only appeared in the Week 4 matchup and got sidelined with a triceps injury. With Smith now out of the picture, the Eagles needed an answer fast. And who better than the man who terrorized offenses and set himself up as the greatest defensive leader Philly ever had?

Former Eagles center Jason Kelce had recently noted about Graham, “I don’t think when he retired he fully wanted to stop playing football.” And now, that smiling face of Graham sitting beside Nick Sirianni after the last Super Bowl win doesn’t feel bittersweet anymore. Graham would have to get back in football shape; having spent more than 7 months away from the field. But that old No. 55  waits somewhere just beyond the Eagles’ Week 7 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

While we wait for both sides to reach an agreement, let’s also break down the retirement that made the addition of Brandon Graham an absolute necessity.

Za’Darius Smith’s retirement stance

Za’Darius Smith has been a journeyman. Just last season, he first played with the Browns, and then hopped on to the Detroit Lions squad and had some postseason glory. He signed up with Philly after Week 1, and immediately made an impact. Through just the five games, he logged 10 pressures and 1.5 sacks. And just when it looked like Philly had found another reliable veteran defender, Smith shared his decision on his Instagram.

As Smith wrote in a heartfelt post, “I knew this day would come – but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected. – this game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. – As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”

Smith’s decision to walk away from football was, as insider Dianna Russini noted, “a personal one. It has nothing to do with the Eagles.” After making splashes in six different franchises across 11 seasons, Smith becomes a legend and walks away from the game. But for Philly at least, there’s cause for optimism. Another (perhaps the greatest) legend could be suiting up again soon.