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Philadelphia Eagles The defense took a hit last week when Za'Darius Smith abruptly decided to retire from the NFL following the team's loss to the New York Giants.
Ahead of the Eagles' Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings, multiple reports suggested the team could be getting some defensive boosts with a possible return Brandon Graham.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) plays against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Graham, 37, retired after the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He was the longest-tenured Eagles player in franchise history, spending 15 seasons with Philadelphia. He could enter a 16th season if both sides sign a contract.
ESPN reports this. that he is “firmly considering” coming out of retirement and rejoining the Eagles.
Philadelphia selected Graham in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Michigan State. He did not start in the starting lineup. It took him several seasons to earn his role as a consistent pass rusher and someone the Eagles could consistently rely on.
Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles watches the game between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 13, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
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Graham earned the only Pro Bowl the best result of his career in 2020. He had eight sacks that season. He suffered a torn Achilles in the second week of the 2021 season, costing him the rest of the year. He returned to the field in 2022, playing in all 17 games and recording a career-high 11 sacks.
He finished with 76.5 career sacks and 487 tackles. He was part of two Eagles teams that won Super Bowls.
Smith's departure depleted the team's options in the Eagles' front seven. Graham, 37, could be counted on to provide some jolt to the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) with team safety Dom DiSandro after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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The team's starting linebackers include Azeez Ojulari, Zach Baun, Nakobe Dean and Jalix Hunt. The second row linebackers include Josh Uche, Jihad Campbell, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Patrick Johnson.
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