‘He’ll probably be the next one to fill BG’s role’ – Eagles star Dallas Goedert reveals next great trash talker following Brandon Graham retirement

“At this point, yeah, there's a ton. And it's interesting, because everybody has a different approach to the game. You know, some people are, they go into a zone where they want to be fierce. For me, I'm always light hearted. I just try to have fun. I think that's when I play the best. It's always fun to play alongside Lane Johnson. It's funny to see the miked up clips of Jordan (Mailata). It's a lot of fun to hear what he's saying when people are running down the field. I don't know why he's calling everybody his son, but that must be how he looks at us all. AJ (Brown) and (DeVonta Smith), they kind of have their own little way, AJ reading the book on the sideline and things like that. 

Everybody has their own way to stay in. I think the funnest people are on the defensive side. Like you said. Brandon Graham, who talks trash the whole time. I don't want to talk trash to any defense, because I don't want them to hit me harder than they already are going to. But he's been a lot of fun. Nolan Smith, he's been a great addition in that he'll probably be the next one to fill BG’s role at trash talking and lowering his shoulder. He has a lot of fun on the field as well.”

Hearing Nolan Smith be mentioned to that degree, especially in terms of his presence, is important. The former 2023 NFL Draft first round selection had a down rookie season, but showcased his upside a ton last season. Smith had a bit of a breakout year two, ending the year with 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss. 

With Graham retiring, Josh Sweat leaving in free agency, and Bryce Huff being traded, the EDGE room just lost a lot of experience. A lot is going to be expected from Smith in year three. If he’s able to take a step forward, and fill the personality void that Graham is leaving, Smith could become one of the more quietly important football players on the 2025 Eagles. 

For the Eagles sake, let’s hope that Goedert is correct. This team looks like it is set up for sustained success, but there was some roster turnover this offseason. Younger players like Smith taking massive leaps is very, very important.