Eagles news: An emotional Brandon Graham announces his retirement; Birds land pass-rush help, lock down Lane Johnson
The Birds added ex-Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari Monday ahead of Graham's announcement.

Eagles veteran Brandon Graham announced he's retiring after 15 seasons in Philadelphia.
Philly could have broken Graham. Instead, he retires with a smile, writes columnist David Murphy.
Here are Graham's best Eagles moments and his career by the numbers, from Birds records to clutch plays.
Ahead of Graham's announcement, the Eagles signed ex-Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal. Here's our full Eagles free agency tracker.
Film review: Azeez Ojulari has the upside to boost the Birds’ edge-rusher rotation.
The Birds also gave Lane Johnson a contract extension through 2027.
Brandon Graham retires after 15 NFL seasons and 2 Super Bowl titles
The farewell tour is complete. After 15 seasons in the NFL exclusively spent with the Eagles, Brandon Graham is calling it a career.
In a tearful news conference on Tuesday afternoon, the 36-year-old defensive end announced his retirement.
Graham finishes his playing career as the team’s all-time leader in seasons played and games played (206). He ranks third in franchise history in sacks (76½) and fourth in multi-sack games (17).
Brandon Graham receives a sendoff from the staff at NovaCare
'Brothers for life': Lane Johnson congratulates Graham on retirement
Brandon Graham thanks Philly fans
Michigan shouts out Brandon Graham on his retirement
Philly could have broken Brandon Graham. Instead, he retires with a smile.
There was a time, a long time, when Brandon Graham was known for who he wasn’t.
He was not Earl Thomas, the All-Pro safety who went one pick after him in the 2010 draft.
He was not Dez Bryant or Eric Decker, the two wide receivers who were selected with the picks the Eagles traded in order to move up and select Graham at No. 13.
'A special player and a special person': Jeff Lurie praises Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham is the “embodiment of everything you want in a Philadelphia Eagle,” team owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a lengthy statement celebrating his retirement after 15 seasons.
Lurie described Graham as “a special player and a special person” and said the positive energy he brought to the team was “infectious.” But Lurie spent the bulk of his statement celebrating Graham the person, praising his “exemplary leadership, integrity, and class.”
“Along with his trademark smile and warm demeanor, he treats everyone with respect and had been incredibly giving of himself and others, which is among the many reasons why he was a two-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award nominee,” Lurie said. “Of all the things that made him special though, it is Brandon’s character and gracious nature that have always stood out to me the most.”
Brandon Graham by the numbers
15 seasons. 206 regular-season games. 76.5 sacks. Two-time Super Bowl champion.
Brandon Graham is ending his career on a high note after adding another Super Bowl ring to his collection. Following the news of the 36-year-old defensive end’s retirement on Tuesday afternoon, let’s take a look at some of the numbers that have defined his Eagles career over the last decade and a half.
» READ MORE: Brandon Graham's career by the numbers, from Eagles records to clutch plays
Jalen Hurts, Lane Johnson, and Fletcher Cox in attendance
Photos: Brandon Graham through the years
Brandon Graham confirms he re-injured himself during the Super Bowl
Brandon Graham confirmed a report by Derrick Gunn he re-tore his triceps during the Eagles’ Super Bowl win.
Graham was expected to miss the rest of the season when he went down with the injury in the Eagles’ November road win vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
He rushed back to play in the Super Bowl and played sparingly, but re-tore his triceps.
Brandon Graham says Super Bowl win played into retirement decision
There was a point early in the season, when Brandon Graham was playing better than he thought he would during his farewell tour, that coming back for 2025 was a possibility.
But Graham made an improbable return to the Super Bowl, and that, he said, was enough for him.
“If I didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl I probably wouldn’t be up here right now,” Graham said. “I’d be begging for one more.
'I didn't want to go outside': Brandon Graham recalls being labeled a bust
Brandon Graham was once labeled a first-round bust.
“You made me work for this,” he said Tuesday. “And I appreciate you for that. You never let me get comfortable. You held me accountable. You kept that chip on my shoulder.
“When they put that bust label on me I didn’t want to go outside.”
Brandon Graham emotional to open his announcement
Brandon Graham took a seat at a podium inside the auditorium at the NovaCare Complex, flanked by two Lombardi trophies, and said he was going to try to get through the speech he had prepared.
The tears started at the end of that opening sentence.
“I gave everything I had in this and I don’t have no regrets,” Graham said, announcing his retirement. “That’s one thing I tell those young boys. Don’t have no regrets.”
Brandon Graham greets reporters ahead of announcement
Brandon Graham announcement video
Awaiting Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham to make an announcement on his future with the Eagles
Brandon Graham has made a decision whether he will retire from the Eagles or return for a 16th season.
Graham, the team’s all-time leader in games played (206), will reveal his decision at noon Tuesday, the Eagles announced.
Graham, 36, has recorded 76.5 sacks in his career with the Eagles, third most in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Reggie White (124) and Trent Cole (85.5). None were more important than Graham's strip sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII, helping the Eagles secure their first Lombardi Trophy.
Film review: What's the upside of new edge rusher Azeez Ojulari?
— EJ Smith backup (@EJbackup1994) March 18, 2025
The Eagles added another young edge rusher to their pass-rushing rotation Monday, agreeing to terms with Azeez Ojulari on a one-year deal that will reunite the former Georgia standout with a handful of his old teammates.
Considering the departure of Josh Sweat in free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Graham’s future, Ojulari figures to get opportunities to make his mark with the Eagles as a pass rusher. The 26-year-old finished last season with 22 pressures according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked fourth on the New York Giants’ defensive line. He also had six sacks in just 11 games.
To truly understand how the Eagles can expect Ojulari to fit into the team’s reworked edge rusher rotation, let’s look at his film rushing the passer from last season:
» READ MORE: Eagles film review: Azeez Ojulari has the upside to boost Birds’ edge-rusher rotation, but can he reach it?
— EJ Smith
Details on Lane Johnson's contract extension

The Eagles have ensured that their franchise right tackle has the opportunity to be a part of their future for the next few years.
Lane Johnson agreed to terms on a one-year extension through 2027, the Eagles announced on Monday evening. Johnson, who turns 35 in May, will be going into his 15th season in Philadelphia when the new deal begins.
According to Johnson’s agent, Ken Sarnoff, the team also agreed to restructure the remaining two years of his existing contract, adding $8 million over that span. He is also slated to earn $30 million in guaranteed money. Over the next two seasons, Johnson will earn $48 million, including $40 million guaranteed.
Every player the Eagles have added in free agency
Players who have agreed to sign with the Eagles
Azeez Ojulari, edge rusher: The former Giants pass rusher signed with the Eagles on a one-year deal. The former second-round pick out of Georgia has a "pretty high ceiling," according to The Inquirer's Jeff Neiburg.
Patrick Johnson, linebacker: The outside linebacker spent the first three seasons of his career with the Eagles, mostly as a special teams contributor. He’s returning on a one-year deal.
Kylen Granson, tight end: The Eagles are adding the former Colts tight end on a one-year deal, their second free agent tight end so far, further fueling speculation that Dallas Goedert could be dealt.
Avery Williams, return specialist: The former Falcons specialist signed a one-year deal after two of the Eagles’ kick returners — Kenneth Gainwell and Isaiah Rodgers — signed elsewhere.
Charley Hughlett, long snapper: The 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Eagles, a sign the Birds are moving on from veteran Rick Lovato, who is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Adoree’ Jackson, cornerback: The 30-year-old veteran, who landed a one-year deal with the Eagles, spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants. Over the course of his career, Jackson has started 82 of his 97 NFL games, so he brings experience to a young secondary.
Harrison Bryant, tight end: The Eagles signed the former Las Vegas Raiders tight end to a one-year deal.
Joshua Uche, linebacker: The Eagles signed the former Kansas City Chiefs edge rusher to a one-year deal following Josh Sweat’s departure to the Arizona Cardinals.
AJ Dillon, running back: The former Green Bay Packers back missed all of last season with a neck injury, but has been cleared to return by a neck specialist this offseason.
Players the Eagles have landed in trades
Kenyon Green, guard: The Eagles landed the former Houston Texans offensive lineman in a trade for C.J. Gardner Johnson.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson: Jalen Hurts' new backup joined the Birds as part of a trade with the Cleveland Browns featuring Kenny Pickett.
» READ MORE: 2025 Eagles free agency tracker: All the Birds’ signings, trades, and other roster moves
2025 NFL calendar: Upcoming offseason dates
March 30 to April 2: Annual league meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.
April 18: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets
April 24 to 26: NFL draft, Green Bay, Wisc.
Sept. 4: NFL 2025 season kickoff, hosted by the Eagles against an unnamed opponent.