Franchise icon defensive end Brandon Graham may return to the NFL for at least two more years and Ravens, Chiefs may be top suitors. According to several reports, the veteran’s career may be over after suffering a season-ending injury but playing with a contender could change his mind to play again. Originally selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the defensive end became one of the elite pass rushers in the league, recording 5.5 sacks, 47 total tackles and four forced fumbles in 16 games in 2014. Injuries got in his way after his stellar 2020 campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles but he could have a little more to give before he hangs his cleats.
Graham is coming off a historic night after passing Clyde Simmons for third on the franchise’s all-time sack list. He now has 76.5 sacks on his resume, including a strip sack against Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter helping the franchise win its first Super Bowl. The veteran may contemplate his return for a 16th season but time can only tell what he will do next. Graham has a lot of ball left to turn a defense ferociously even though he hasn’t been the same defensive end since coming into Philadelphia.
However, his presence could effectively turn the tide for a team’s defense. The Eagles could bring him back on a two-year deal but having guys like Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun, they may stick to getting younger. The Ravens, Chiefs may sign him on a last contract to see what he could do to help their organization for a potential Lombardi run.
Franchise Icon Brandon Graham May Return to NFL – Ravens, Chiefs Top Suitors
Missing Ingredient in Baltimore?
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most ferocious offenses that many people have never seen on television before. Derrick Henry’s signing is making a big impact on the team’s momentum to keep this ground game intact through the roof. Diontae Johnson landing with the team in a trade hasn’t been replicating that same noise just like the defense after losing several key free agents this past offseason. David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh don’t have a ton of experience of being a part of a winning roster in this league, especially in the postseason so that’s the downside about this team.
The Ravens were interested in bringing back Jadeveon Clowney but left for the Carolina Panthers and things aren’t working out for him over there. Miami was close to sending Calais Campbell back to Baltimore before Mike McDaniels vetoed that from happening. If Graham becomes available, he may only continue playing if it means playing for a contender and that may include the Ravens. Graham may not be the same superstar that most remember but being a part of an elite team with plenty of defensive pieces like Kyle Van Noy may bring out the best of his last few snaps.
More Defensive Help
On the other hand, the Chiefs got back in the groove of the winning column after winning a nail-biter against the Panthers. It seems like every game is a shootout for Kansas City despite trading for Josh Uche to help reinforce the streamline of the pass rush. Chris Jones is one of the best pass rushers in the league today but what is lacking about this team’s defense is balance. This is why they brought back Mike Danna in the mix this past offseason while George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah are going through growing pains.
The Chiefs are shaping themselves into a developmental defense that may shoot themselves in the foot of any chances of a three-peat Super Bowl run. However, a potential Graham signing if he becomes available 2025 NFL Free Agency may work out in Kansas City if he stays healthy for at least two more seasons.
