Eagles rumors: Brandon Graham holding out?
There are conflicting reports regarding whether Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham plans to hold out for a new contract.
The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane struck fear the hearts of Philadelphia Eagles fans everywhere on Wednesday afternoon when he reported that top defensive end Brandon Graham planned to miss organized team activities and perhaps even the team’s first mandatory camp in June.
Graham is the Eagles top pass-rusher despite logging only 5.5 sacks in 2016. He finished in the top-14 in the NFL in both quarterback hurries and tackles for loss and has developed into a solid run defender on the edge.
Losing Graham for any length of time would be a massive blow for a defense that has prioritized getting after the passer this offseason: Trading for Tim Jernigan, signing Chris Long, and spending a first-round pick on Tennessee’s Derek Barnett. The goal in Philly seems, very clearly, to be to help ease the burden of a sub-par cornerback group by excelling in the pass rush. A goal that becomes much more difficult without Graham on the field.
Before Eagles’ fans panic, however, Jason La Canfora tweeted this just minutes after McClane’s report was published:
Reports of Brandon Graham contract dispute are unsubstantiated. Am told he's with his family in Detroit and eager for the season to start
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) May 10, 2017
Graham, as McLane reported, would not comment on contract issues when asked.
If Graham were to hold out it would not be without some cause. The Eagles signed fellow DE Vinny Curry to a five-year, $46.25 million contract last year. Curry, who plays a limited role in the defense, is set to make more money than Graham, who signed a four-year, $26 million contract in 2015. That perceived slight, combined with the drafting of Barnett (whom many compare to Graham in style of play) could have Graham feeling a bit insecure and eager for the team to show a sign of renewed commitment.
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However it turns out, Eagles’ second-year coach Doug Pederson is sure to be asked all about the situation this week. It will be interesting to hear what kind of stance Pederson takes considering this is new territory for him as head coach. And considering he and Graham go all the way back to 2010 when Graham was drafted in Philly and Pederson was an assistant to Andy Reid.