How Eagles star Brandon Graham's decision will impact young Super Bowl-winning defense

The Eagles are the third-youngest team in the NFL with an average age of 25.7, led by rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean (22) and second-year defensive lineman Jalen Carter (23). Graham is a key veteran on the team who had to work his way back from a triceps injury that almost kept him out of the Super Bowl. Eagles players credit his journey with inspiring their dominant performance on Sunday.

"The ultimate goal was to get it done, but to get it for Brandon if this is his last year," Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata explained to the New York Post. "For him to go out as a champion, that's special. That's something we are going to remember. I just realized that was my last game with [him]."

Graham went out as a team captain for the coin toss, and while he only recorded one tackle in the game, his presence helped bolster a smothering pass rush. With just a four-man front, they sacked Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times, which is the most he's ever been sacked in a game, according to ESPN. 

Graham's legacy with the Eagles is that of a team legend. He's one of four players who played on both Super Bowl-winning teams. He was also one of the heroes of Super Bowl LII after his strip-sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady secured Philadelphia's first Super Bowl in franchise history.

There will be a void to fill in Graham's potential absence. The energy and focus he's provided for the defensive players won't be replicated overnight. There's plenty of pass-rushing talent to make up for his production, as was evident by Mahomes' constant duress, but finding a new heart for the team will be tough. 

Still, the Eagles lost team captain and legendary offensive lineman Jason Kelce to retirement last year, and his replacement, Cam Jurgens, didn't miss a beat. The Eagles are champions because general manager Howie Roseman is perhaps the best in the NFL at building depth on his rosters. 

The Eagles will be OK if Graham retires, but it will be vital for someone on the defense to take over his leadership mantle. Hopefully for the team, that's a player Graham has already identified, and if he plays another season, he'll help that player grow into a future captain. Sometimes, young players aren't ready to be vocal leaders, and sometimes, young players will fully embrace the spotlight. But the team won't know how its young defense will react until Graham makes his decision.