Brandon Graham hints toward putting retirement on hold, playing again in 2025

Following last year’s Wild Card loss to Tampa Bay, Eagles DE Brandon Graham told reporters that 2024 will be his final season in the NFL.

Brandon Graham Farewell Tour

"It'll be my farewell tour… if the Eagles want me to."

Brandon Graham hints at what his future holds after the loss to the Bucs. pic.twitter.com/fdwgS5NgXR

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 16, 2024

“It’ll be my farewell tour next year,” BG told reporters when asked if he’ll be returning next season. “If the Eagles want me to do it one more time, I would love to be here for another year. Because I know we got something special. And, you know, 15 [seasons], my farewell tour, I’ll be done next year.”

Graham signed a one-year extension with the Eagles in March and returned as their oldest defensive player at 36 years old. Fast-forward to September, and Graham has been Philadelphia’s most productive edge-rusher.

Brandon Graham involved in an all-around day for the Eagles on the defensive edge.

Eight first-down rushes by the Saints when in, 1.4 yards per carry.

Three third-down rushes (Eagles stopped two).

14 pass rushes, Graham hit Derek Carr on the game-ending interception.

— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) September 23, 2024

Graham played the most defensive snaps of any edge-rusher in last week’s win against the Saints, nearly doubling the snap count of prized offseason addition Bryce Huff.

Can he keep playing at this level throughout the year? Who knows, but Graham’s hot start has the veteran rethinking his retirement plans.

“Honestly, I’m going to stay ready just for one more year,” Graham said via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Just in case if a situation popped up where it’s like, ‘OK, they need me.’ But right now I’m just trying to get through this year and enjoy it as much as I can. And hopefully make a bunch of plays to help the team and help [my teammates] get to their next level.

“Either way, I’m going to be a part of whatever they’re doing next year. As a player, who knows? But I might stay ready another year depending on how everything goes this year.

“I just want to be able to help in whatever role because I know where they’re going right now and I want to be a part of that.”

Graham’s decision will likely depend on how the Eagles’ 2024 season ends. If Philadelphia wins its second Super Bowl title, it’s reasonable to believe that Graham will ride off into the sunset.

If the Eagles come up short, a 16th season could be on the table.

In either case, Graham will go down as one of the all-time greats. He has the fourth-most sacks in franchise history (73), only behind Reggie White, Trent Cole, and Clyde Simmons. His famous strip sack in Super Bowl 52 will be remembered in this city forever.

Whatever the future holds for BG, it’s been a hell of a career.

What @brandongraham55 said 😂@Eagles pic.twitter.com/SrSfaojhwg

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Colleen Claggett | PhillyVoice