We knew something was wrong when all of those trainers surrounded Brandon Graham on the sideline. We could feel a lump in our throats when many of his Philadelphia Eagles teammates walked over to him. it just seemed as though they were wishing him well and showing signs of respect.
He shared a long conversation and a hug with Jalen Hurts before finally leaving the sideline. Whatever B.G. was dealing with forced him out of action and into the locker room early.
It just seemed like whatever he was dealing with wasn't some minor injury. That's when it hit us. We may have just seen Brandon Graham's final game with the Eagles.
As much as we love Brandon Graham, the show must go on.
As you might expect, several media members found their way over to Brandon Graham after Philly's win over the Los Angeles Rams. he confirmed what we already had begun thinking. His injury was season-ending.
A torn tricep was the diagnosis. Part of us hopes he returns for one more season to go out on his terms. First things first though. The Birds are in the middle of a playoff push.
Right now, Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, and Jalyx Hunt are the only pass rushers on Philly's roster. Bryce Huff was added to Philly's injured reserve on November 22nd. Howie Roseman and crew would be wise to look around.
Here are the best options for replacing Brandon Graham.
Philly has options if they want to find bodies to fill some roster holes. There are some free agents who are still available and talented prospects they have in house.
Let's look at both. None of us are going to like all of the options. Hey, if these guys were that great they'd already be playing. Still, they're talented enough to earn mentions.
K.J. Henry
A 2023 fifth-round pick of the Commanders in 2023, K.J. Henry provides quality if the Birds don't want to add an old guy. The Dallas Cowboys recently released him, and he has already cleared waivers.
Shaq Lawson - free agent
Shaq Lawson made his name in the AFC East as a Buffalo Bill, but he has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. He spent time with the Carolina Panthers in October and is slightly above the 30-year-old threshold. He's respectable if he isn't asked to play a major role.
Ifeadi Odenigbo - free agent
Ifeadi Odenigbo is a former seventh-round draft selection that hasn't seen any in-game action in a while, but the last time, we saw him, he still had some bend and explosion.
David Mayo - free agent
David Mayo is a familiar face, but we always saw him on the other sideline. He has played for both the Washington Commanders and New York Giants.
He has collected 94 tackles and three sacks over the past two seasons but like the previously mentioned options, he's best suited to play in a rotation where he isn't 'the guy'.
Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo - currently on the Eagles roster
We have heard that Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo can both play on the edge for a while now. we've just never seen them do it. maybe it's time to make that happen.
Williams and Ojomo have had better players in front of them on the Eagles depth chart since their arrival, but they always make something happen when trusted with playing time. It may be time to expand their roles. Philly may learn the cure for what ails them is on their roster.
Tarron Jackson - currently on Eagles practice squad
Tarron Jackson is another familiar face. He was drafted by the Eagles during the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. 21 games in a Birds jersey have produced 18 tackles and a sack.
Currently, he's on the practice squad, and we'd explore expanding the roles of everyone ahead of him on the depth chart before giving him added responsibility, but we would also promote him before we signed any of the old guys. Oh well... We'll see if any of these theories grow legs.