Brandon Graham Returns to Eagles: Impact on Pass Rush, Trade Deadline Plans

PHILADELPHIA – In a move signaling urgency, Brandon Graham is ending his brief retirement and returning to the Philadelphia Eagles just months after hanging up his cleats. The 37-year-old, two-time Super Bowl champion made the announcement Tuesday, confirming discussions with the Eagles about bolstering a struggling pass rush. Philadelphia currently ranks near the bottom of the league in sack percentage (29th at 4.3%) and total sacks (26th with 11).

The Eagles’ edge rushers have collectively managed a mere 3.5 sacks through seven games. Za’Darius Smith, who surprisingly retired last week after only five games with the team, leads the group with just 1.5 sacks. Josh Uche and Patrick Johnson are the only other edge rushers with sacks, each recording 1.0, highlighting the position’s alarming lack of production.

Adding to the Eagles’ woes, the team is grappling with a significant number of injuries at the edge rusher position. Nolan Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo are currently on injured reserve with triceps injuries, with Okoronkwo sidelined for the remainder of the season. Azeez Ojulari also sustained a hamstring injury during Sunday’s victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

As it stands, the Eagles have only three healthy edge rushers on their active roster: Uche, Johnson, and Jalyx Hunt. The return of Graham provides much-needed depth, even if he isn’t expected to single-handedly solve the team’s pass-rushing deficiencies.

What Prompted Graham’s Return?

Graham revealed on his podcast that he had reservations about retiring in March, but he believed the Eagles were well-positioned at defensive end. However, the team lost Josh Sweat in free agency and brought in Uche and Ojulari to compensate.

Before Sunday’s game against the Vikings, Uche and Ojulari had zero sacks combined (Uche had one sack on Sunday), and Ojulari was a healthy scratch for the first four games of the season. The Eagles also suffered a setback when Smith abruptly retired. Still, Graham was considering a return to the Eagles even with Smith on the roster.

Graham’s agent initiated discussions with Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman early in the season. However, the Eagles opted to sign Smith, already having a veteran presence in the locker room. Smith’s retirement paved the way for Graham’s return, with the Eagles contacting him about a possible comeback last week.

Graham is expected to be available for Sunday’s game against the Giants, pending the outcome of practice this week. While the initial plan was for Graham to return during the Eagles’ Week 9 bye, the timeline was expedited due to the team’s depleted edge rusher depth.

What Can Graham Realistically Offer?

The extent of Graham’s impact remains uncertain. He played through a torn triceps injury in Super Bowl LIX, the same injury that prematurely ended his final season in November. His contribution will likely be measured more by his veteran leadership and locker room presence than his on-field performance.

Za’Darius Smith previously filled the role of veteran mentor before his sudden retirement, occupying Graham’s locker. Now vacant, Graham will assume the mantle of veteran mentor and leader.

"His locker will be ready," Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters after Sunday’s win over the Vikings.

The Eagles require additional bodies at edge rusher until Nolan Smith returns, which is anticipated to occur after the Week 9 bye. Given the position’s current state of depletion, Graham’s return and participation in Sunday’s game against the New York Giants would be a positive development.

Graham’s decision to come out of retirement after winning a Super Bowl is unusual but not unprecedented. The Eagles can benefit from another player on the edge to alleviate the burden on the existing roster.

The addition of Graham does not signify the end of the Eagles’ pursuit of edge-rushing reinforcements.

Potential Edge Rusher Targets for the Eagles

Several edge rushers may become available at the trade deadline, and the Eagles possess ample draft capital to acquire one. They currently hold 10 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including five picks in the first three rounds and seven in the first four rounds.

This draft capital provides the Eagles with the flexibility to part with a pick or two to acquire a premium edge rusher. While they may prefer to retain their picks for future use, the purpose of accumulating such assets is to improve a Super Bowl-contending roster at the trade deadline.

To maintain their Super Bowl aspirations, the Eagles must address their pass rush, which was instrumental in their Super Bowl LIX victory. The current performance of their edge rushers is insufficient, and here are some potential candidates to fill the void:

• Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): Hendrickson is arguably the top edge rusher available. However, the Bengals may only trade him if they receive an irresistible offer. Hendrickson boasts a 14.5% pressure rate and 4.0 sacks this season, following consecutive 17.0-sack seasons. Acquiring Hendrickson would significantly elevate the Eagles’ status in the NFC.

• Jaelan Phillips (Miami Dolphins): The Dolphins may be sellers at the deadline. Phillips, currently in the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, will be a free agent after the season. He has a 16.7% pressure rate, 2.0 sacks, and 22 pressures this season. Phillips would provide valuable depth to the Eagles’ pass rush. He also has experience playing under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, recording 27 pressures, 6.5 sacks, and a 13.6% pressure rate in eight games in 2023.

• Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins): Another Dolphins player who may be available, the 29-year-old Chubb has an 11.5% pressure rate, 4.0 sacks, and 15 pressures in seven games. A young pass rush, even with Graham’s addition, could benefit from a veteran presence like Chubb, who had 11.0 sacks, 70 pressures, and a 15.7% pressure rate in his year with Fangio. Chubb has two years and $61.7 million remaining on his contract, making his acquisition challenging. Nevertheless, he would benefit from returning to Fangio’s scheme, having previously played for the Eagles defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos.