Brandon Graham considering major move to help struggling Eagles pass rush

The Philadelphia Eagles are searching for a solution to their struggles after losing two games in a row for the first time since 2023. Some of those answers will have to come schematically, but one of those answers might be in asking a legend to come back from retirement. 

According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, defensive end and former team captain Brandon Graham is considering a return to the field after less than a year in retirement. The 37-year-old had a storybook ending to his 15-year career when the Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX. With that win, Graham became just one of four Eagles players to be on the franchise's two championship rosters. 

"They've been banged up on the edge ... and I think they would benefit from [Graham's] physicality and the way he plays defensive end on the field," Eagles legend Jason Kelce said on Philadelphia's 94WIP-FM Morning show when asked about Graham's rumored return. "I only want Brandon Graham to play football if he wants to play football, and I don't think when he retired, he fully wanted to stop playing football ... When I heard a lot of [his] answers, it felt like he got convinced it was time to hang it up. And I don't think that's ever the right way to do it. And I don't know this, but 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 they need that."

How Brandon Graham's return could impact the Eagles

The Eagles' most obvious struggles have been on the offensive side of the ball, as 2024's leading rusher, running back Saquon Barkley, is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry this year. However, Philadelphia's defense has also been subpar, especially when rushing the passer, as they've gotten just nine sacks through six weeks.

Graham has the third most sacks in franchise history (76.5) behind Hall of Fame pass rushers Trent Cole (85.5) and Reggie White (124). More importantly, though, Graham is a leader players have rallied around throughout his career. After winning the Super Bowl last year, several Eagles players expressed their happiness for getting a championship for Graham, who struggled with injuries throughout 2024 but remained a steady presence in the locker room.