Brandon Graham, Eagles agree to two-year extension

Posted on March 16, 2021

The Super Bowl LII hero isn’t heading anywhere, at least for another two years.

On Monday, the Eagles announced they reached a two-year contract extension with defensive end Brandon Graham that’s worth about $20 million (per Jeremy Fowler).

This deal replaces Graham’s current contract, which ran for one more year and was set to give him $13 million.

It’s An Extremely Well-Deserved Deal

Graham, 32, might be tied with or just behind Fletcher Cox for the most valuable player on the Eagles’ defense. In 2020, BG had 8.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and 46 combined tackles. It’s the third time in the past four years that Graham has had eight or more sacks.

Graham also finished 31st in the league in quarterback pressures with 29.

His performance rightfully earned him his first Pro-Bowl honors in his ten-year career. Most fans would agree it’s an achievement that should have come far sooner.

(AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)

Graham’s contributions go far beyond his on-field play. He’s a well-respected leader in the locker room, which is more important than ever given the inner turmoil the Eagle have experienced over the past few months.

Graham has said that he hopes to retire in Philadelphia. This extension certainly helps push that dream closer to reality.

Who Could Be Next Up For An Extension?

Derek Barnett would be the first player to come to mind when thinking about additional extensions. In fact, the Eagles have already reportedly discussed a potential extension with the defensive lineman.

Another candidate would be tight end Dallas Goedert. The 26-year-old is set to earn over $1.2 million in 2021 before entering free agency in 2022. Goedert has shown plenty of promise. The Eagles would be smart to nail out a deal sooner than later.

There are still plenty of others. OT Jordan Mailata, DE Josh Sweat, and CB Avonte Maddox are set to hit free agency in 2022. All three are young and have plenty of potential.

Of that group, Mailata should be given priority. Linemen are becoming more and more expensive, and Mailata would be especially attractive on the open market given his age (23) and solid progression so far.

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Drew Rhoades

If there’s one thing you need to know about Drew Rhoades, it’s that he knows Philadelphia sports. A graduate from Saint Joseph’s University, Rhoades has previously written about Hawk sports for The Hawk Newspaper and covered baseball at Phillies Nation. In his spare time, he loves to volunteer at his local animal shelter and bike.

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