Defensive end Brandon Graham is finalizing a deal to come out of retirement and rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing back a franchise legend to bolster their pass rush amid recent setbacks. The move, confirmed by sources on October 20, 2025, aims to address depth issues following retirements and injuries in the edge rusher group.
The news broke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that Graham, the longest-tenured player in franchise history, is set to return for his 16th season. Graham himself teased a special announcement on his podcast “Unblocked,” scheduled for Tuesday morning, which was also highlighted by Sports Illustrated. This development comes as the Eagles navigate a critical point in their season, with the deal not yet officially signed but in the final stages of negotiation.
Graham’s decision to unretire arrives at a pivotal moment for the Eagles, who have faced significant challenges in their defensive line. The sudden retirement of Za’Darius Smith last week, combined with injuries to Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo, has left the pass rush thin and in need of experienced reinforcement. Smith had led the team with 1.5 sacks before his departure, underscoring the urgency for a reliable veteran presence to stabilize the unit.
At 37 years old, Graham brings unparalleled experience and leadership to the locker room, having played 206 regular-season games—a franchise record—and accumulated 76.5 career sacks, ranking third in Eagles history. His legacy is cemented by iconic moments, such as the strip sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII that secured Philadelphia’s first Lombardi Trophy. This return not only adds on-field skill but also emotional resonance for fans and teammates alike.
The Eagles’ current 5-2 record masks some internal turbulence, and Graham’s reentry is expected to provide a calming influence. Teammates have voiced enthusiasm, with left tackle Jordan Mailata referring to him affectionately as “uncle OG” and emphasizing his role in last season’s Super Bowl victory. His presence could enhance team cohesion and performance, particularly as the Eagles prepare for key matchups in the NFC East.
In the 2024 season, Graham appeared in 11 games, recording 3.5 sacks, but his campaign was marred by a triceps injury that limited his availability. He returned for the Super Bowl, contributing to the Eagles’ second championship win, though he re-injured his triceps during the game. Monitoring his health will be crucial, as his effectiveness in pass rush situations depends on his recovery and conditioning.
The finalization of the deal is anticipated to be clarified during Graham’s podcast announcement on Tuesday, where he may outline terms and his vision for the comeback. With the Eagles facing the New York Giants in an upcoming divisional clash, his addition could immediately impact defensive strategies and provide a spark for the team’s playoff aspirations.
Looking forward, Graham’s return injects veteran savvy and depth into the Eagles’ defense as they pursue another deep postseason run. His ability to mentor younger players and contribute in specialized roles will be invaluable, reflecting the organization’s commitment to leveraging experienced talent. This move not only addresses immediate needs but also reinforces the team’s championship ambitions for the remainder of the season.