Two Eagles veterans make decisions on football futures
The Eagles suffered a devastating 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. It was the kind of game no player would want to be their last. However, two of Philadelphia's aging veterans have already decided on their careers.
Six-time All-Pro and future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce reportedly told his teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It comes as no surprise since the 36-year-old was clearly emotional on the sideline at the end of Monday's game. Many had already speculated that he was going to hang up his cleats and now he has made that official.
It will be quite the blow to the Eagles offensive line, which has been one of the best units in the league over the past several years. It will now give Philadelphia an opportunity to see what it has in some of its young players.
Kelce played all 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, helping them win Super Bowl LII and being named to seven Pro Bowls. He is surely heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame sooner rather than later.
On the other hand, veteran DE Brandon Graham has different plans. The 35-year-old told the AP's Rob Maaddi that "he wants to play one more season with the Eagles and make it his farewell tour."
It's not that easily said and done, however. Graham is one of many players set to become free agents after the season and he certainly didn't have his best year in 2023.
The No. 13 overall pick in 2010 had just 16 tackles, three sacks and one pass defensed in 17 games played.
Only time will tell if Graham is back with Philadelphia in 2024, but one thing is for sure, the Eagles are going to look quite different next season.
More must-reads: