The Philadelphia Eagles have a pass-rushing void to fill after the surprise retirement of Za'Darius Smith. One potential point of speculation could be whether or not veteran edge rusher Brandon Graham might consider a return to the league to fill that void.
Graham is only six games into retirement, and it is clear the veteran could be useful in the current rotation. However, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was quick to shut this idea down via Eliott Shorr-Parks, responding “Not to my knowledge” when he was asked if it had a potential return by Graham had been discussed.
For Graham, it is really difficult to consider returning after authoring a perfect ending to an impressive career. The former Eagle returned last season just in time to win his second Super Bowl and play a role on one of the most impressive teams in recent NFL history. It is impossible to re-write a better ending for a player who retired with 76.5 career sacks and 23 fumbles forced. The former defender had also knack of finding a way to make a play when the defense needed it the most throughout his career and could have been a key addition down the stretch.
Eagles Must Look Forward, Not Back, After Brandon Graham Rumors
As great and respected a player as Graham remains, it is also worth noting that it is an unknown how much value the pass rusher could bring. He isn't likely to be in game shape, and even at his best the last time he was on Philly's roster, he managed limited production. As he got older, he became injury-prone and extremely limited as a rotational piece and while this isn't a knock on an incredible career, it is the reality of Father Time.
What the Eagles need to focus on is finding an addition in the trade market as well as getting their current players healthy. If they can manage this, there will be zero cause for concern as Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are going to do a lot of the heavy lifting on the inside. You simply need a player with a basic level of capability such as Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, Bradley Chubb of the Miami Dolphins to take advantage of a great front.
Making it clear that the path to filling Smith's role isn't revisiting the past and talking a legend out of retirement. But rather, you must be a willing buyer in the trade market and search for potential answers within your own roster which currently has Nolan Smith on injured reserve with a triceps injury and disappointing performances from Jalyx Hunt and Azeez Ojulari. Even with the struggles, there is no question, that Graham deserves to stay retired and enjoy the accomplishments of what was a great career.