Could an Eagles legend come out of retirement to solve major concern?

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles’ pass rush was already a concern. Then, three-time Pro Bowler and veteran Za’Darius Smith surprisingly announced his retirement on Monday. 

The Eagles were already in a position where they needed to do something to address the lack of productivity and depth at edge rusher. Smith’s abrupt retirement only heightens that need.

But could an answer to that problem actually be an Eagles legend coming out of retirement?

The idea of Brandon Graham coming back for one last ride was floated by some fans and media members after Smith’s decision.

Graham, the two-time Super Bowl champ who ranks third all-time in sacks, retired in March after his final season was shut down with a torn triceps. 

Could the 37-year-old franchise legend go back on that decision? Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio poured cold water on that possibility on Tuesday. 

Fangio was asked if there’s been any discussion around bringing Graham back to the team.

His response: “Not to my knowledge.”

Graham had a legendary career with the Eagles. He racked up 76 1/2 sacks and a franchise-leading 126 tackles for loss in 15 straight seasons in Philadelphia. He also provided a veteran presence that was invaluable to the younger pass rushers and the team as a whole. 

The Eagles tried to replicate that veteran leadership by signing Smith last month. Smith, the 33-year-old who was well-traveled in his NFL career, got Graham’s old locker in the middle of the Eagles’ locker room at the NovaCare Complex, which felt significant. 

But Smith is gone, and the Eagles have to do something about it.

It’s just not realistic at all to think that Graham, who has spent retired life with media ventures and not bearing the physical toll of playing football, would be a part of the answer. 

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