The Philadelphia Eagles had the chemistry of a bad science fair project this season, and it’s led them to an offseason of uncertainty. The Eagles’ biggest task is to replace Kevin Patullo following the long-awaited announcement that he would not be returning to the offensive coordinator role in 2026. Their issues don't end with Patullo and his replacement, though; the Eagles also need to figure out what’s going on with their pass rush.
With this in mind, the Eagles have to be thanking Brandon Graham. The 37-year-old came out of retirement last fall to help the Eagles and provided some depth, recording eight total tackles and three sacks over the final nine games. While this may have been assumed to be his last ride in the NFL, Graham left the door open and may have provided some clarity to the Eagles’ offseason plan with his latest comments.
“For me, I’m still going to be working out,” Graham said on his Brandon Graham Unblocked podcast this week. “It’s either I’m going to be working out like I’m training to play until I know. And then if it ain’t, then it’s cool too. I got a bunch of opportunities. I just have to get uncomfortable to actually just do it. But if I can, I will this year.”
Brandon Graham May Be the Eagles Backup Plan at Pass Rusher in 2026
Graham’s comments show the ball is in the Eagles’ court regarding whether he returns to play in 2026. The Eagles scrambled to fix the pass rush throughout the season, signing Za’Darius Smith for a cameo before his sudden retirement and trading for Jaelan Phillips ahead of the trade deadline. But Graham was always recruited by Philadelphia despite his decision to retire last spring, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio constantly teasing Graham “to try and light the fire” for one more year.
Fangio’s efforts were successful as Graham returned late in the season, but there’s a chance Philadelphia may try to find a younger alternative this season. Part of that plan could be signing Jaelan Phillips to a lucrative new contract, but the Eagles could also pivot to a cheaper option in free agency or a draft prospect to add depth to the room.
It also helps that defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has been named a head coach for next month’s Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., giving the Eagles a chance for a deeper look at this year’s draft prospects.
In any case, Graham’s comments may have confirmed the Eagles’ backup plan. If they’re unable to re-sign Phillips or find a prospect that could contribute in the draft, Fangio could pick up the phone again and coax Graham into coming back in 2026. The fact Graham stated he’ll continue to work out means he could be waiting for that phone call, and gives the Eagles one thing they could bank on in an uncertain offseason.