Brandon Graham Unretires to Rejoin Eagles and Boost Struggling Pass Rush

The Philadelphia Eagles had a need and had a willing partner, anxious to return to the field, who just happens to be one of their all-time great player.

Brandon Graham Announces His Comeback

Announcing on his podcast "Brandon Graham Unblocked", the two-time Super Bowl champion said, "I'm coming back, baby. I'm excited, man".

Graham said he is excited to get after it and believes in the team, which could use some help at the position he excelled at for 15 seasons, registering 76.5 sacks in 206 NFL games, all with Philadelphia.

This news picked up steam once veteran Za'Darius Smith abruptly retired on October 13, leaving the Eagles' defense a man short at a very important position.

Graham acknowledged he wasn't ready to retire when he made the announcement back on March 18, saying he thought the team had everything they needed, he had no thoughts of playing for another organization, and he was able to go out on top, with the Eagles winning their second Super Bowl title in February.

Graham had this season cut short, tearing his triceps in Week 12, but was able to return to appear in the Super Bowl victory over Kansas City.

Graham said Eagles general manager and team president Howie Roseman reached out at the start of the season, but he said he wasn't ready, so the team pivoted to Smith, who was using Graham's old locker.

"I don't have any expectations, Graham said. I'm going to bring my energy.  I said if an opportunity comes up, I am going to do it."

Why the Eagles Needed Him Back

And now he is back with an Eagles team that ranks 25th in the league in sacks with 11, three better than the worst team in the league at this stage of the season.

In addition to Graham, the team lost Josh Sweat and Milton Williams from last year's pass rush, meaning 16.5 sacks needed to be replaced. Third-year man Nolan Smith was lost to injury, second-year player Jalyx Hunt has gotten off to a slow start, and Smith retired.

Currently, defensive tackle Moro Ojomo leads the team with three sacks, with Jordan Davis next with two.

Graham said the No.1 reason he returned to the team is because he felt they needed some help at the position.

What Graham Brings to the 2025 Eagles Defense

Last year Graham ranked as the league’s 20th best defensive end by Pro Football Focus and had 3.5 sacks and six TFLs through and added 13 hurries in 11 games in 2024.

Projected Return Date and First Game Back

The Eagles play the New York Giants this week, and Graham didn't rule out a return to the field this Sunday.  The team has its bye week after the Giants game, which means Graham's first game back will likely be on Monday, November 10, in Green Bay against the Packers.