Vic Fangio wants Brandon Graham to return to Eagles in 2026

It turns out the storybook ending of Brandon Graham walking off into the sunset after winning a second Super Bowl title with the Eagles wasn't meant to be.

Graham's retirement lasted until the Eagles had a need for defensive line help, with the franchise icon returning to the team for their Week 10 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. 

While OnPattison's Grace Del Pizzo voiced some valid concerns at the time about whether returning to the field actually made sense for Graham, it's hard to argue with his production recently. The long-time edge rusher has found success on the interior of the defensive line when a need has emerged there for the Eagles, recording three sacks over the last two games. 

Not only does defensive coordinator Vic Fangio now say he never really wanted Graham to retire after last season, but he indicated to Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media that he's hopeful Graham will play another season: 

Fangio didn’t want Graham to retire after last season and he admitted Tuesday that he’d like to have him around again next season.

“Yeah I might (have to talk him into staying),” Fangio said. “Maybe I’ll be his agent.”

Brandon Graham with his 3rd sack out of retirement 😤

PHIvsWAS on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/KowAHN87Tz

— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2025

Obviously, things can change in a hurry. Right now, it does appear that Graham returning to the Eagles was the right decision for all parties involved. But one of the reasons that it felt like it was time to walk away last offseason was because Graham had torn his left triceps twice during the 2024 season, including during the 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. If Graham, 37, sustains another major injury before this season is over, that might be a sign that he shouldn't return for 2026. 

But if Graham is content to be rotational piece that's a leader on Fangio's defense, perhaps a 17th season can't be ruled out.