It wasn't long ago that fans in Philadelphia would have been all-too-happy to see Brandon Graham tossed unceremoniously out the door.
Graham, peppered by constant talk about his draft status - he was the 13th pick of the first-round in the 2010 draft, a slot which required an 11 spot move up for the Eagles - and the "what could have been" conversations centering around Seahawks safety Earl Thomas - drafted one spot after Graham - and Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul - drafted 15th overall - may have welcomed his presumed exit as much as any.
But instead, Graham, in his second season at outside linebacker in Bill Davis' 3-4, and fifth in the league, rededicated himself to the game the last few years after an initial career setback in the form of microfracture knee surgery during his rookie season, and it seems to be paying off.
According to a report from Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, citing multiple league sources, Graham and the Birds have begun discussing a long-term contract extension.
The 26-year-old Graham is in the final year of his five-year, $16 million rookie deal. He currently ranks second on the team with 13.5 tackles for a loss, third in hurries (14) and fourth in sacks (5.5). His four forced fumbles are tied for second-most in the NFL.
"I think I'm capable of just being a great player at my position," Graham said this week, per Mosher. "That's just my mentality. I'm trying to be great every time I hit the field. I just go out and just do my job the best that I can and hopefully every time I do that we come out with a W."
The Eagles, according to Mosher's sources, began discussions on an extension weeks ago, with the initial offering being a four-year deal.
The sides reportedly remain far apart in negotiations.
The potential for a contract is complicated by Graham's leverage - he's a versatile, productive player who has the skills to thrive in both the 3-4 and 4-3 and, as a pass rusher, would command top dollar on the open market.
Should Graham choose to test the free agent waters, he could seek a deal with the same or similar value to the one the Birds gave to Connor Barwin - six years, $36 million.
