Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spoke with the media after a busy trade deadline, discussing the sudden return of long-time Eagle Brandon Graham, who had unretired before their Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants.
"Before the season started and before we went down any path, I called BG -- I'm fortunate, really, to have special relationships with a bunch of guys here, and BG was my first pick. I just reached out and said, ‘Hey, we're in the market for an edge rusher, how are you feeling?’ At the time, he just felt like that wasn't the right timing for him. [Graham] hadn’t really contemplated, was doing a bunch of other things, but apparently got his mind started moving a little bit, and he started working out a little bit harder."
"When [ Za’Darius Smith] retired, [I] picked up the phone again and just said, ‘Hey, I'm just reaching out again. I had heard a little bit through the grapevine; you're working out a little bit harder.’ I got that little BG cackle, and that kind of gave me a sense that he wanted to come back."
"I don't know, maybe he was trying to have our team prove that we were any good, and when he saw that we had a chance here, he wanted to take the opportunity. But love having him back. I said to him when he came back, ‘I guess there's going to be a day where we're not going to have you to rely on. I'm just glad that day's not today.’"
Eagles are happy to have Graham back for at least one last ride
The return of Graham is extremely welcome, especially given the Eagles' team success; the front seven hasn't been as effective in generating pressure against opponents. Graham, who recorded 3.5 sacks last year, should help supplement an underwhelming but talented pass rush.
Philly should also benefit from Graham's leadership ability, which Roseman mentioned as well. The now 16-year veteran will now have another swan song, it appears, in hopes of his third championship with the team.
Read more: Moro Ojomo is making Eagles fans forget about $104 million near disaster
The Eagles come off the bye week and are now set to take on the Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) for their Week 10 matchup.