By Zach Berman, Dianna Russini and Rebecca Tauber
Brandon Graham’s 15 years in the NFL are not yet over.
After retiring in March, the former Philadelphia Eagles defensive end finalized a contract to rejoin the team, the Eagles announced Tuesday. The move comes after Za’Darius Smith’s sudden retirement announcement earlier this month.
“I’m coming back, baby,” Graham said on the BG Unblocked Podcast on PHLY Sports. “No expectations. I’m excited just to get after it. Of course, I believe in the team. That’s a big part of it, too. I think they got everything need. Just want to add more value.”
OUT OF RETIREMENT HE COMES! We’ve agreed to terms with DE Brandon Graham. Bring on Season 16 👏 pic.twitter.com/x3zAiZF7He
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2025
Graham said the decision to retire had more to do with the lack of interest from the Eagles.
“I really didn’t want to retire in the beginning,” he said.
Graham said he would have returned after the Super Bowl if the Eagles wanted him back. He didn’t want to play for another team. There were conversations before the season about a potential return. The Eagles signed Smith in the veteran role, and Graham remained retired. He has since remained around the team facility and has worked to stay in shape.
After Smith’s abrupt retirement last week, conversations resumed.
“This is the only time in your life you can do it,” he said. “Because after a while, nobody’s calling no more.”
The two-time Super Bowl champion has played 206 regular-season games for Philadelphia, the most games in franchise history. He also had 76.5 career sacks, third in Eagles franchise history.
In the locker room Sunday, players welcomed the idea of Graham’s return.
“Love to be around that guy,” defensive tackle Moro Ojomo said. “… (Owner) Jeffrey Lurie said it last year — he said it perfectly: ‘There are people who are energy takers and people who are energy givers.’ BG is an energy giver. We all feel that.”
Jalen Hurts, who is close with Graham, smiled and walked away when asked Sunday about talks of the defensive end’s return.
“His locker will be ready,” Hurts said while walking out of the room toward the bus, never breaking his stride.
The Eagles are looking to improve on their 5-2 standing ahead of Sunday’s rematch against the New York Giants, who beat Philadelphia in Week 6.
“No matter if he come back in any capacity — if he plays every snap or no snaps, it don’t matter,” linebacker Nakobe Dean said. “The energy BG brings is unparalleled. Just to have a guy in the locker room like that, it would be great. And he still can ball.”
Where Graham fits on the roster
The Eagles’ need at pass rusher was only more evident in their win over the Minnesota Vikings. Azeez Ojulari left early with a hamstring injury, adding to the list of injured edge rushers. There was also the thought that Graham’s leadership and energy could be beneficial to the 5-2 Eagles.
The Eagles have only 11 sacks through seven games, only two of which are from edge rushers on the roster. Graham likely won’t take a significant workload, but if he can contribute in a rotational role, the Eagles could use the help in getting to the quarterback.
Graham’s return shouldn’t preclude the Eagles from adding an edge rusher in the trade market. Nolan Smith Jr. is expected to return after the bye week, but Graham will essentially take Smith’s roster spot. In fact, the Eagles filled neither Smith’s spot nor his locker stall. It’s the same locker stall that once belonged to Graham. — Zach Berman, senior writer, Eagles
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