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Brandon Graham is back. The 26-year-old is staying in Philadelphia on a four-year contract worth up to $26 million with $14 million in guarantees. That certainly seems like a very fair deal for both sides.
It's been a long road for the former first round pick. Once largely considered to be a bust, now Graham will likely take over as a starting 3-4 outside linebacker in place of Trent Cole in Philadelphia's defense. The reaction to the deal seems to be mostly positive. Starting with Graham himself, of course:
Happy to be back family! #Eagles
— Brandon Graham (@brandongraham55) March 9, 2015
More reactions below:
Brandon Lee Graham and I share the same initials, so I’d like to think this is a win for both of us. #TeamBLG
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 9, 2015
Per @PFF: In 2014, Graham recorded a total of 51 pressures on just 225 pass rush snaps. So about two pressures for every nine snaps.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 9, 2015
Brandon Graham has been effective on the edge in a 4-3 and 3-4, only question about him is can he play more. Career high 524 snaps
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 9, 2015
Brandon Graham and the #Eagles agreed to a 4-year deal, NFL source confirms @Tim_McManus report. Also told #Eagles out on Jason Worilds.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 9, 2015
A deal between#Eagles and Brandon Graham appeared all but dead week ago. He checked market, as did team and they decided to reach agreement.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 9, 2015
Terms on Graham deal very reasonable. I think he's going to be really good with more snaps. Should've played more last year.
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) March 9, 2015
Once considered a bust, Graham is now key foundation piece for #Eagles. Likely starter now with Trent Cole gone.
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) March 9, 2015
Eagles likely starting LB corps next season: OLBs Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham; ILBs Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 9, 2015
Eagles likely starting LB corps next season: OLBs Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham; ILBs Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 9, 2015
Glad Brandon Graham is back. One of the more affable players on #Eagles with an infectious laugh. And is always available to talk.
— Ed Kracz (@kracze) March 9, 2015