PHILADELPHIA — Defensive end Brandon Graham decided to come out of retirement and is finalizing a deal to return to the squad Philadelphia Eagles this week, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.
Graham, who was the longest-tenured player in franchise history, will be ready for his 16th season. IN video published on social networkshe made a special announcement on his “Unblocked” podcast at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
This step followed Za'Darius Smith's sudden retirement last week. Smith led a depleted cornerback group with 1.5 sacks.
The Eagles entered the season with question marks in the game following the departure of Graham and Josh Sweet. The position received another blow when Nolan Smith Jr. was placed on injured reserve last month with a triceps injury. Smith is expected to return after Philadelphia's Week 9 start.
Okoronkwo scene was also placed on IR with a triceps injury following Philadelphia's Week 4 game.
Graham, 37, returned from a torn triceps to play in last season's Super Bowl and helped the Eagles win their second championship in what was believed to be the final game of his NFL career.
“If he came back, hell yes,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said on Sunday after Philadelphia's victory on Minnesota. “This is uncle, uncle O.G. One of the most important things we got from the Super Bowl last year. I think it would just add depth and popularity.”
Graham holds the Eagles' record for most regular-season games played (206) and is third in franchise history with 76.5 career sacks. He made his only Pro Bowl in 2020 and recorded his first double-digit season in 2022 with 11.
Graham's hit on Tom Brady in the closing moments of Super Bowl LII helped secure a narrow victory over New England Patriots and brought the first Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia.
