When Brandon Graham came out of retirement to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles, the move felt more like a sentimental reunion than a strategic upgrade. But fast forward a few weeks, and Graham isn’t just back - he’s back in a big way, and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
It took a little time for the veteran to shake off the rust and get into game shape, but once he hit his stride, the impact was immediate. Over the last two games - against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders - Graham has notched three sacks and three quarterback hits.
That’s not just production, that’s disruption. And for a player who started the season as a rotational piece, those numbers speak volumes.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was asked about Graham’s recent surge, and he didn’t hesitate to highlight what makes the 35-year-old still so effective in the trenches.
“He's strong, number one,” Fangio said. “He's got a leverage advantage.
He's got a good feel for blocks, and he still loves the game. That may sound corny and not relevant, but as guys get older in their career, they lose their stinger a little bit for the real nut-cutting and contact of the game.
He hasn't.”
That “stinger” Fangio’s talking about - it’s what separates the guys who hang on from the ones who still make plays. And Graham, even after stepping away from the game, clearly hasn’t lost his edge.
Early on in his return, Graham wasn’t logging many snaps - just 10 to 20 per game - and his stat sheet reflected that, with only one tackle in his first five appearances. But things changed in a hurry.
With Jalen Carter sidelined due to injury, Graham saw increased reps against the Los Angeles Chargers, this time rotating inside at defensive tackle. That shift opened the door, and Graham didn’t just walk through it - he bulldozed it.
Against the Raiders, he turned back the clock with a two-sack performance that reminded everyone why he’s been a cornerstone of this defense for over a decade. Then, in Week 16, he followed it up with another sack in the Eagles’ 29-18 win over Washington.
For a guy who started the season as a depth piece, Graham has become a legitimate factor in the Eagles’ defensive rotation. His resurgence comes at the perfect time for a Philly team eyeing a deep postseason run. And while no one expected this level of production when he unretired, it’s clear now: Brandon Graham isn’t just back - he’s making a difference.