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Philadelphia Eagles’ Brandon Graham expected to hold out

By George Stockburger

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eagles pass rusher Brandon Graham wants to be paid yet again

After attending the first day of voluntary workouts Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham appears to be holding out for a new contract.

According to Jeff McLane of the Philly.com, the 29-year-old will not be attending organized team activities, and potentially mandatory mini-camp, until his contract is reworked.

Graham signed a four-year contract in 2015 and carries a $7.5 million cap hit going into the second to last year of his deal.

Philadelphia drafted defensive end Derek Barnett with the 14th overall pick last month, and signed veteran free agent Chris Long. Vinny Curry, a second-round pick in 2012, is also still on the team despite underperforming since receiving his own contract extension.

Listed as an outside linebacker on Spotrac, Graham would be the 15th-highest paid defensive end in football after accruing 5.5 sacks. His teammate Curry, who’s cap hit is $9 million, recorded 2.5 sacks this year in the first year of Jim Schwartz’ scheme.

Philadelphia is currently against the cap ceiling after adding Long, Alshon Jeffrey, Chance Warmack, Patrick Robinson, and Torrey Smith in free agency. Spotrac projects them to have approximately $1.6 million remaining in salary cap space.

Running back Ryan Mathews is expected to be released after multiple injury plagued seasons and the additions of Donnel Pumphrey and Corey Clement. Once Mathew’s deal is off the books the Eagles will have $4 million to work with.

Graham enters a critical season after the addition of Barnett from Tennessee. Projected to start this season, Graham is being heavily relied on as the team’s top pass rusher with Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan set on the inside.

Curry, Barnett, and Long are expected to compete for the final starting job on the defensive line, while the remaining players rotate throughout drives.

Former first-round pick Marcus Smith is on the roster bubble with the additions on the front seven, as are Alex McCalister and Steven Means.

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