Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Eagles legend comes out of retirement to help depleted edge-rush

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:27 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles have had their issues on offense through the first six weeks of the season. However, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 304 yards through the air and four touchdowns in their 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7.

Though the offense seems to be figuring itself out, the defense has become an issue that can no longer be ignored, especially at defensive end. Shorthanded due to injury and Za’Darius Smith abruptly retiring, two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham will give them a hand.

Brandon Graham comes out of retirement to help Eagles

Graham retired after 15 seasons in the NFL, having won his second Super Bowl with the Eagles in February. With his former team in need of an edge-rusher, though, Graham was the perfect candidate to fill the void left by Smith. The Eagles announced on Tuesday that Graham would return for his 16th season.

Ranking third in franchise history in sacks (76.5), third in forced fumbles (23) and first in tackles for loss (126), Graham will add a veteran presence to the Eagles’ pass-rush.

OUT OF RETIREMENT HE COMES! We've agreed to terms with DE Brandon Graham. Bring on Season 16 pic.twitter.com/x3zAiZF7He
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2025

“I’m coming back, baby,” Graham confirmed on his podcast. “I'm excited man, I am I am. No expectations. Just excited, just to, you know, get after it. Of course, I believe in the team, because that's big part of it, too. And I know that they got everything that they need, you know, and just can't wait to just add some a little more value.”

“WE COMING BACK, BABY.”

“I’m excited.”

BG officially announces his return to the Eagles pic.twitter.com/unAKMMQyWY
— Brandon Graham Unblocked (@BG_Unblocked) October 21, 2025

Brandon Graham will add value to Eagles' pass-rush

Ranking 28th in sacks (11.0), 20th in yards (1,549) and tied for seventh in touchdowns allowed, the Eagles have struggled to pressure the quarterback. Graham's abilities will help improve this, which should benefit others like third-year defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, who leads the team with 3.0 sacks.

The 37-year-old's experience could also be useful when teaching linebacker Jihaad Campbell the position, who might move to defensive end with fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean returning from injury. Moreover, Graham's return might prevent Eagles president and general manager Howie Roseman from needing to make a trade before the Nov. 4 deadline, as linebackers Nolan Smith and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. recover from injuries.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. You can find my other work on Southside Showdown from FanSided and at Chicitysports where I cover all Chicago sports. When not watching sports, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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