Tim McManusESPN Writer2 minute read
PHILADELPHIA — Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham has agreed to terms on a one-year contract to stay with the Eagles, refusing to enter free agency out of loyalty to the organization, he told ESPN on Friday. .
The deal is worth up to $6 million, according to a source.
Graham, 34, is coming off a career year in which he posted a personal best 11 sacks while adding 16 quarterback hits, helping the Eagles to a 14-3 record and their second appearance at the Super Bowl while in Philadelphia.
He was expected to attract interest in free agency next week, including from the Cleveland Browns, sources said, but ultimately chose to pass up the opportunity.
“I definitely don’t want to miss this championship that we’re about to run for,” Graham told ESPN. “I practically ran [my agent] Joel [Segal] just to get a deal done before free agency so I don’t have to go through that part. I’m so happy it all came together.
“It wasn’t even about the money. It was more about wanting to be an Eagle while I could still play at a high level, and of course I still have a bitter taste in my mouth about the how things ended last year. [with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl].”
Graham is currently the oldest member of the Eagles. He appeared in 178 regular season games for Philadelphia and now has an opportunity to pass kicker David Akers (188) in most regular season games played in an Eagles uniform.
Graham is the author of the most iconic play in franchise history – a strip sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII that helped give Philadelphia its first and only Lombardi Trophy.
His 70 career sacks are the fourth in team history, behind only Reggie White (124), Trent Cole (85.5) and Clyde Simmons (76).