The Philadelphia Eagles’ pass rush has undergone significant changes recently, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster move to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations. In a whirlwind of roster activity, defensive end Za’Darius Smith stunned the NFL by abruptly retiring mid-season. In an equally surprising twist, veteran Brandon Graham reversed his retirement decision, agreeing to return to the Eagles on a prorated one-year, $4.9 million contract, earning $2.44 million for the remainder of the season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“I didn’t want to retire in the beginning,” Graham, a 15-year veteran, told Zach Berman, signaling his determination to continue contributing to Philadelphia’s defensive front.
While Graham’s return provides experience and leadership, the Eagles’ pass rush still lacks the firepower needed to dominate the NFC East and make a deep playoff run. With only 11 total sacks this season, ranking near the bottom of the league, Philadelphia is in desperate need of a game-changer. Enter a bold trade proposal from The Athletic’s Mike Jones and Jeff Howe: the Eagles could acquire Miami Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick.
“The Eagles have needed pass-rushing help since they lost Josh Sweat in free agency, and that need intensified after Za’Darius Smith’s retirement announcement,” Jones wrote. “Chubb, who missed last season while recovering from ACL repair surgery, is off to a strong start this season, recording four sacks. Pair him with a front that includes stud linemen such as Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter and reunite him with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and Chubb should make an instant impact.”
Chubb, boasting an impressive 43.5 career sacks, currently leads the Dolphins with four sacks this season, one more than Eagles’ leader Moro Ojomo. His addition to Philadelphia’s defensive line could transform their pass rush into a formidable unit, capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Reuniting Chubb with Vic Fangio, his former defensive coordinator, could unlock even greater potential, given their prior familiarity and Fangio’s scheme.
However, prying Chubb from Miami may not be straightforward. The Dolphins, sitting at a dismal 1-6, are spiraling, with each loss amplifying scrutiny on head coach Mike McDaniel. A fire sale could be on the horizon, making Chubb a viable trade candidate. Yet, as Jeff Howe noted, Miami’s outlook isn’t entirely bleak. “They started 2-6 in 2024 before finishing 8-9, so Mike McDaniel has seen recent evidence of his team getting hot in the second half,” Howe wrote. “If he’s still on the job by the trade deadline, I can’t imagine McDaniel being keen on the idea of giving away one of his most talented defensive players.”
A trade for Chubb would signal Philadelphia’s all-in mentality for 2025. Pairing his proven pass-rushing prowess with the Eagles’ talented defensive front could create a nightmare for NFC East offenses. While Miami weighs a potential rebuild, Philadelphia has an opportunity to land a transformative player. If this deal materializes, Chubb’s 43.5-sack pedigree could propel the Eagles toward Super Bowl contention, leaving their division rivals scrambling to keep up.