While a frustrated Philadelphia Eagles fan base is searching for any reason for hope in the team's future after an ugly wildcard exit, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo is offering an exciting update. "Spoke to Brandon Graham briefly last night. He’ll take time to think, but don’t assume that’s it for his career. His body responded well, and he felt he was just getting into a groove down the stretch. He turns 38 in April but had the look and sound of a guy that has football left."
Graham retired at the end of the 2024 season, going out as a Super Bowl champion, and only returned in the middle of this past season when it became clear he was needed. Not only was Philadelphia's pass rush struggling and in need of a boost, but there are also clear leadership concerns. Whether it was Nick Sirianni and A.J. Brown getting into it on the sideline or media back-and-forths, the franchise clearly needs leadership.
No matter what is left in the tank for Graham, the defender is a steadying presence on the sideline and a proven leader. Philadelphia should be willing to do whatever it takes in the 2026 offseason to push Graham towards a return and give the pass rusher another chance to go out on top. With so many questions surrounding the offense and the stability of the roster, you simply cannot afford to lose Graham, even if the numbers aren't going to match past production.
Eagles Cannot Afford to Let Veteran Pass Rusher Brandon Graham Walk Away in 2026 Offseason
Adding to the case that Graham cannot be allowed to walk away is a surprising production even at this late stage of his career. Despite not returning until deep into the 2025 season, the defender still offered 3.0 sacks and is a great rotational option for the edge or defensive line positions. Philadelphia has increased roster flexibility beyond just the leadership that Graham will bring; it is a flexible roster piece Philly badly needs and can do so at a low cost.
At this stage of Graham's career, it is impossible to believe the veteran will entertain playing anywhere other than Philadelphia. Having already made around $100 million in career earnings, the veteran is likely to return on a team-friendly deal whose impact simply cannot be understated in the current dysfunction that the Eagles are attempting to sort out.
Having a defensive leader to help steady defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's unit provides all the answers the Eagles need when it comes to guidance. It allows the Eagles' front office to focus all of its attention on rebuilding the offense and finding answers for a unit that let Philadelphia down consistently when the season mattered most.