Could Eagles’ Legendary Trio Be Preparing for Final Game?
Center Jason Kelce, defensive end Brandon Graham and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox are three of the greatest players in Philadelphia Eagles history, all of whom seem likely to have their numbers retired by the franchise some day. All three may also be preparing for their final game with the Eagles, and perhaps in the NFL altogether.
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While the Eagles are three-point road favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, it would be generous to say Philadelphia is limping into the postseason. After starting 10-1, coach Nick Sirianni's squad lost five of their final six games during the regular season, posting an unsightly -59 point differential over that period. So it wouldn't be shocking if quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers end the 2023 season for the Eagles Monday evening at Raymond James Stadium.
Kelce was elected to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his career in 2023, and he seems to be aging like fine wine. He'll likely be able to play for the Eagles as long as he wants. But the 36-year-old has flirted with retirement for multiple years now, and while he may have envisioned walking away after winning a second Super Bowl title, very few players get to conclude their careers like John Elway, Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis.
Graham is the longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia sports currently, as he's spent the entirety of his career with the Eagles since being selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Michigan. Graham found the fountain of youth in 2022, racking up a career-high 11 sacks. However, he finished the 2023 campaign with just three sacks, despite playing in all 17 games. The 35-year-old can become a free agent after the season ends, and you just wonder if his 14th NFL season will prove to be his last.
Cox is a little more complicated. Even if he's no longer at the height of his powers, Cox still recorded 33 combined tackles, 17 quarterback hits, five sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2023. The 33-year-old nearly signed with the New York Jets last offseason in free agency, and it's entirely possible if the Eagles choose not to bring him back for 2024, Cox's career will continue elsewhere.
The Eagles’ season may very well continue beyond next Monday, given that the Buccaneers were hardly dominant over their final two games of the season. But the next loss for the Eagles might be the final one for three of the most important players in the history of the franchise.
