Eagles Legend Brandon Graham Confirms 17th NFL Season

The veteran defensive end says he's returning for one more year in Philadelphia.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham has confirmed that he will be returning for the 2026 NFL season, his 17th in the league. Graham, who has spent his entire career with the Eagles, said he wants to try and win one more Super Bowl before retiring.

Why it matters

Graham is an iconic figure in Philadelphia sports history, having been a key part of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning team in 2017. His return for one more season will be a major boost for the team as they look to contend for another championship.

The details

Graham, 38, has been open about his desire to play another season if the Eagles wanted him back. After hinting at it throughout the offseason, he made his plans official on March 11, 2026, saying "Hopefully we can win another in my last season coming up." Eagles GM Howie Roseman has also expressed interest in bringing Graham back, calling him an "all-time Eagles great" and a "future Eagles Hall of Famer."

  • Graham confirmed his plans to return for the 2026 NFL season on March 11, 2026.
  • The Eagles' 2026 season is set to begin in September 2026.

The players

Brandon Graham

A 38-year-old defensive end who has spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2017.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, who has expressed interest in bringing Graham back for one more season.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully we can win another in my last season coming up.”

— Brandon Graham (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

“Brandon Graham is always welcome in Philadelphia. Obviously, when I think about what he's done for us as a player, as a person and then last year even when he came back. The versatility that he showed coming in at the end of the year and producing inside and playing defensive tackle. Just an all-time Eagles great. Future Eagles Hall of Famer.”

— Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager (NBC Sports Philadelphia)

What’s next

The Eagles and Graham are expected to finalize a contract for the 2026 season in the coming weeks, allowing the veteran to return for one more run at a Super Bowl title.

The takeaway

Graham's return for one final season is a testament to his legendary status in Philadelphia and the lasting impact he's had on the franchise. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as the Eagles look to make another deep playoff run and potentially win another championship before he hangs up his cleats.