Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham signaled a new chapter for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense by naming Nolan Smith as his successor during the team’s transition period in 2025. After recovering from a triceps tear late in the 2024 season and making a limited yet symbolic return in the NFC title game against the Washington Commanders, the 36-year-old Graham chose to pass the leadership role to the younger edge rusher ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

The encouragement came as the team scored a commanding 55 points—matching Graham’s jersey number—in the NFC title game, a moment Graham saw as a meaningful sendoff. Despite playing only 13 snaps with a brace to avoid aggravating his injury, Graham was clear that his focus was on the team’s future rather than his own exit. After the game, when the locker room had mostly cleared, Graham approached Nolan Smith with a simple but powerful message: “Hey man, this your room.”

“Now you the guy. You the oldest guy in that room. So, let’s go out there. Let’s go take care of business.”

This transfer of responsibility reflects Graham’s confidence in Smith, a 24-year-old former first-round pick who has grown into a reliable force for the Eagles. Smith delivered 9.5 sacks in the 2024 season, becoming the team’s second-best edge rusher after the legendary Reggie White. Graham’s belief in Smith’s ability to lead is a cornerstone for the defense’s future.

The Youth Movement Shapes a New Defensive Line Era in Philadelphia

The Eagles’ defensive line in 2025 is markedly different from previous years, as it now consists exclusively of players 27 or younger. This youthful group boasts natural athleticism but still lacks the seasoned leadership that guided the franchise’s defense for over a decade. Graham identified this leadership gap and emphasized the critical role Smith must play going forward.

Besides Nolan Smith, Philadelphia’s defensive line includes promising talents such as Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, who anchor the tackle positions. Graham highlighted that while these young stars present immense potential, the leadership burden falls on Smith due to the line’s rapid turnover.

“Nolan (Smith) for sure. He got the torch right now. I mean, that room changed drastically real fast. Now he’s the guy,”

“Sweaty (Josh Sweat) gone, myself, Milt (Milton Williams) left, I mean, all the guys, everything…all signs point at this.”

Graham added that Smith’s development is not only about physical performance but also leadership qualities that influence practice habits and team culture.

“Then you got, you know, Nolan Smith, who got to make a big leap. He already did in the…planwise. Now, you got to make sure that they vocally address stuff that needs to be addressed because we’ve got to make sure we practice in a certain way.”

“So [Nolan] got to be able to lead by example and what he does on that field… Now, he got to take the next step of leadership, and I think he will.”

Smith’s journey from a limited rookie season to a key defensive player in 2024 positions him as the natural choice to fill the leadership void left by Graham’s retirement. While the staff’s encouragement for vocal leadership is clear, Smith’s challenge will be converting potential into dependable consistency across the entire season.

Brandon Graham Reflects on Bryce Huff’s Misfit in Fangio’s Defensive Scheme

Amid leadership changes on the Eagles’ defensive line, Brandon Graham also addressed the struggles of former teammate Bryce Huff, whose 2024 season fell short of expectations. Huff signed a lucrative three-year, $51.1 million deal coming into the season, expected to add experience and skill to the Eagles’ defense. However, injuries limited him to just 12 games with six starts, producing a modest statistical output of 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

The disappointment culminated in the Eagles deciding to trade Huff to the San Francisco 49ers, ending his brief tenure in Philadelphia. Graham attributed Huff’s difficulties to an ill fit within head coach Vic Fangio’s system, suggesting that the scheme’s demands did not align well with Huff’s strengths.

“I’ve seen different guys flourish in different systems, and then you see him (Huff) get in another system,”

“It’s different, and what they asked of him this year, it just wasn’t a great marriage, I will say, because I know Huff can rush. I’ve seen him doing all that, but sometimes, it’s just different with the type of scheme and what people ask of you and they want you to be able to do, and maybe it just wasn’t that for Vic Fangio.”

The trade to San Francisco reunites Huff with Robert Saleh, his former coach who is now the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. While his time with the Eagles was disappointing, Graham expressed optimism for Huff’s future.

“I just know that he’s a baller man and hopefully for him, I wanted to be a win-win for the team and a win for him, but you know in this case I want him to be happy.”

What Lies Ahead for the Eagles’ Defensive Leadership and Roster

As Brandon Graham steps away from professional football due to injury and retirement, Nolan Smith faces heightened expectations to lead a less experienced but talented defensive line. Smith’s third season arrives with clear directives from both the coaching staff and his predecessor to elevate his vocal influence and on-field performance.

The Eagles’ defense, once powered by veteran leaders, has entered a phase of reshaping under younger hands, with players like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis tasked with strengthening the interior defensive line. The responsibility on Smith, as the outside linebacker and now the elder statesman in the defensive room, carries not only the legacy of Graham’s leadership but also the hopes of maintaining Philadelphia’s defensive prowess.

Meanwhile, the departure of Bryce Huff underscores the challenges teams face when players must adapt to new defensive systems. The trade and resulting draft pick acquisition reflect a strategic pivot by the Eagles as they build toward sustained competitiveness.

Philadelphia’s defense is positioned at a crossroads, blending youthful talent with emerging leadership, setting the stage for a pivotal season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Nolan Smith can fulfill Graham’s vision and solidify his role as the franchise’s defensive cornerstone.