Eagles cut ties with Pro Bowl defender, two-time Super Bowl champion after A.J. Brown trade

Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trading A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday wasn’t the only notable roster move the franchise made to start the week. 

In addition to cutting Brown loose after four seasons, the Eagles released a Pro Bowl defender and two-time Super Bowl champion before the start of the new season.

“The Eagles released veteran defensive end Brandon Graham on Tuesday,” Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams reported.

“It is a procedural move that was expected post-June 1 based on his contract. According to multiple reports, though, it is possible Graham could return to the Eagles.”

“The team, though, improved the edge rusher position in the offseason, acquiring Jonathan Greenard and Arnold Ebiketie in a room that already included Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.”

Although Graham announced his retirement following the Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, he opted to retire shortly after and spend another season with the NFC franchise that selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. 

Graham finished the 2025-26 campaign with eight tackles and three sacks in nine contests. Graham isn’t the force he was in his prime, but he’s still a contributor who could be serviceable with Philadelphia next year if the Eagles decide to bring him back. 

At the very least, the Michigan product could provide the Eagles with valuable veteran leadership that could go a long way toward the organization winning another title.

More NFL: 

• Bills-Vikings massive trade pitch sees Buffalo break bank to acquire generational $140 million WR

• Bears named landing spot for $123 million 115-sack Steelers star LB

• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million start