Jason Kelce might be retired, but he’s still stirring up conversations in Philadelphia. Just a few days after sharing a workout video that went viral from the Eagles’ facility, the former center is back in the limelight. This time, he’s stepping up to defend a former teammate. With the Eagles struggling after two consecutive losses and veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith’s unexpected retirement, Kelce is reigniting discussions among fans.

Smith’s departure left a major leadership and production gap, one that some fans believe could be filled by a familiar face: Brandon Graham. The two-time Super Bowl champion retired in March after a torn triceps ended his final season, closing the book on a legendary 15-year career. But not everyone’s ready to see that chapter stay closed.

Kelce, speaking on a podcast, suggested the Eagles should welcome Graham back if he wants it. “It felt like he got convinced that it was time to hang it up,” Kelce said. He added, “I think at the end of the day if Brandon in his heart wants to come back, I think the Eagles should damn sure give him that opportunity because I think they need that.”

However, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. When questioned as to whether there’d been any talk of a return by Graham, Fangio. The response was blunt: “Not to my knowledge.” The comment effectively cooled speculation, but it didn’t quiet the conversation.

For now, Graham remains retired, and the Eagles remain in search of answers. Yet Kelce’s words struck a chord in Philadelphia, a reminder that leadership and identity can be just as important as roster moves. And when Jason Kelce speaks, the city listens.

Eagles facing reality check after their hot start fades

Just eight months ago, the Eagles were celebrating a Super Bowl victory. But the current team is injured, inconsistent, and lacking confidence. Their defense is near the bottom of the league, and the once-dominant run game has disappeared.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 4-0 start was masking some serious problems beneath the surface. Yes, they were winning, but something just did not feel right. The offense was struggling, the defense was bending under pressure, and now, sitting at 4-2 after losses to Denver and the Giants, the cracks are beginning to appear.

“We’re just not very good right now,” tackle Lane Johnson said candidly after Sunday’s 34-17 defeat. Receiver A.J. Brown chimed in, “We’re still trying to find our identity.” Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,000 yards last year, is barely on track for half that this season. Jalen Hurts is leading a passing attack that ranks among the worst in the league.

Inside the locker room, frustration is mounting. Barkley had a different take, saying, “Everybody knew we were going to run the ball. We still got it off,” he said. “If anybody thinks different, they have to wake up.”

Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo insists it’s just part of the process. Injuries and offseason departures weakened its core. The Giants, led by a rookie quarterback, ran for 172 yards and dominated possession late. “They out-physicaled us in moments,” Cooper DeJean admitted. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio disagreed, saying, “We just didn’t rush well enough.” Still, head coach Nick Sirianni refuses to point fingers.

He said, “I know that we live in a world that wants to assign blame, point the finger.” “But that’s not the reality of what good teams do. That’s not the reality of this sport.”

The Eagles have 11 games left to rediscover who they are. The question isn’t about talent; it’s about toughness. Their season may yet be saved, but only if the locker room finds the fight that once defined it.