Brandon Graham is back, and everyone within Philadelphia and the Eagles' franchise is ecstatic to have him back in the building. That includes his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, in his own way.
Fangio addressed the media for the first time since Graham and the Eagles got a deal done together. Of course, the press had multiple questions about Graham, with the first being whether he can impact the defense.
"We'll see," Fangio said. "We'll see what kind of shape he's in. What kind of retention he has from last year. Shape comes in two forms: one just your conditioning whether in football shape. Two, contact shape. So, hopefully the sooner, the better."
Another reporter asked about whether they had been in contact with each other about a potential return. Fangio was cautious with his response, but did admit they had been talking.
"All the way from the start, I was teasing him not to retire all the way back last February and March. I mean, yeah I've run into him. We've talked when he's come by. I always tease him about it try to light the fire."
Graham's role in Fangio's defense for the rest of the 2025 season
The likelihood of Graham being an instant starter or being a starter at all is pretty slim. While Fangio alluded to Graham potentially being on a pitch count, Graham won't play as many snaps as the other edge rushers, no matter what.
Fangio will most likely have Graham play about 15 to 20 snaps a game and in pass-rushing situations. Graham was never the type who could drop back into coverage and handle a tight end or running back in passing situations.
Graham put up respectable numbers in his first season with Fangio as defensive coordinator in 2024. In 11 games, he had 20 tackles, seven quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
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Fangio will be happy to have the 37-year-old veteran back on the team, as he provides a consistent pass rusher. How much of an impact Graham will have on the defensive line is another question to be answered in the upcoming weeks.