Brandon Graham’s time with the Eagles is over but he helped create a whole new legacy for Nolan Smith that’s just starting

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Philadelphia Eagles News

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham officially called it quits after 15 years in Midnight Green.

The Eagles’ former first-round pick out of Michigan in the 2010 NFL Draft ends his career still holding the franchise record for most regular season games played (206) and ranks third all-time in sacks (76.5).

Now the Eagles must find someone to not only replace Graham’s production on the field, but also his leadership in Philly’s locker room.

However, they might not have to look too far because Graham has spent the last two seasons mentoring pass rusher Nolan Smith behind the scenes.

Smith, also a former first-round pick by the Birds, took a lot of heat for posting just one sack through his first 21 career NFL games. Some even went as far as to call him a draft bust.

Graham, who knows all too well what that feels like, was right there to take Smith under his wing.

“When I had nobody else in my corner, man, B.G. was in my corner,” Smith said during the 2024 NFL season. “And I just feel like he told me to keep my head down and keep working. And just eventually, man, when the sacks come and all of them [are] loving you, don’t worry about it, just keep working. So I just keep that in the back of my head.”

Graham’s veteran support and wisdom worked since Smith went on to lead the Eagles defense with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 total after the postseason.

Smith also logged 42 tackles, two passes defended, 11 quarterback hits, and 24 QB pressures. He had two more QB hits in the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to Graham, Smith is just getting started.

“That boy has just been working and taking all the jabs,” Graham said during an appearance on the 94WIP Morning Show at the end of the Eagles’ regular season. “He has been taking a bunch of punches from coaching, the media…Nolan just stayed focused and stayed away from listening [to the noise].

“He’s doing something and he ain’t even scratched the surface yet! I’m so proud of him. I’m so proud of the whole defensive line. It takes all of us.”

Smith will enter the third year of his rookie contract with the Eagles in 2025, and Graham, who plans to stick around the NovaCare Complex despite retiring, will be there to make sure his torch is in good hands.