For Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, the plan was always clear: Help his team for one last time, and ride off into the sunset once the 2024 season was over. However, as Nick Sirianni pulled off an Uno Reverse on Andy Reid and his dreams of a three-peat, the Eagles locker room has seen a seismic shift. Yes, the team’s run is now over on the highest possible note. But that also means the veteran DE’s future is hanging in the balance. So, is he really leaving?

On The Howard Eskin Show on February 21, Graham shared his views on the topic, indicating how he is conflicted on the matter…

Even though the Eagles took their revenge on KC and snagged that Lombardi, the DE seemed dissatisfied, “You know, I have talked with my family, talked with my wife, and…even the kids. You know I gotta talk about how we and everybody…just to kinda get on the same page.”

“We kinda [have been] putting it off, because just…everybody’s enjoying what’s going on. But man, I ain’t in no rush. If it’s over, it’s over, but if it’s not…let’s get it. But I am working, working either way. Imma be a part of Eagles somewhere in there. If it’s as a player or with the organisation. But yeah, I am just excited man being in this position. Because, [by] Year 15, you usually get kicked out by the league. But when people actually want you to come back going on 16 years, it’s a good situation that I’m in. But I want to make sure I go about it the right way,” the 36-year-old said.

Having said that, it’s understandable why he’d want to be back. The man finished the season on an impressive note with 15 solo tackles and 5 assisted tackles. In the Super Bowl, he played an important role not just as a player, but also as a mentor and leader. So the Eagles would be delighted to have him return for one final season. However, Graham is currently a Super Bowl champion, and retiring with that trophy brings a different degree of joy to a player. So, rounding up, everything goes back to square one.

While Graham’s return is uncertain, so are his health problems. Looks like things have been challenging for him lately.

Brandon Graham discusses recovery from his tendon injury

Graham didn’t have a tendon injury this year, so what is he talking about? Well, unfortunately, the ghosts of the past have come back to haunt him.

If you recall, the veteran suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury back in 2021, during a November game against the Los Angeles Rams. While he recovered and returned to get a career a career-high 11 sacks the next season, it appears that the tendon has been a continual issue, with occasional soreness.

Talking about the same, Graham noted, “Of course, you’re gonna always think your body is good….Especially now, for me, everything else was feeling really well other than just getting that surgery for the tricep and stuff like that”. However, it’s very clear that Graham understands he can’t pull his team back due to a nagging injury, “But man, I just know that…you gotta fit in on with the team, move forward is what they’re trying to do. It’s not a bad thing, because going out on top is always, always a great thing.”

The MVP of the 2010 Senior Bowl further believes that whatever he does in the future will be best for the business. He does not intend to leave the Eagles even if he retires as a player, so we may see him in other roles, if things go right.

The bottom line is: Brandon Graham’s journey with the Philly team is not ending even if he’s not a part of the locker room anymore.