The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent Jaeden Graham on the first day of training camp. The former Atlanta Falcons tight end is coming off season-ending knee surgery suffered during his 2021 training camp.
Graham (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) appeared in 32 games for the Falcons in 2019 and 2020. He made 12 receptions for 174 yards with one touchdown on 322 offensive snaps. The big-bodied target was a key contributor on Atlanta’s special-teams unit while filling in at fullback at times. He’ll turn 27 on October 10.
Prior to that, Graham was a standout at Yale University where he earned All-Ivy League honors as a senior. He started 10 games at tight end while finishing with 26 receptions for 380 yards and four touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2018 before joining Atlanta’s practice squad as a rookie free agent.
FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN for Jaeden Graham!
Graham flashed at Falcons training camp in 2019 where an injury to Austin Hooper unleashed him as a “secret weapon.” Adnan Ikic of The Falcoholic detailed his journey and praised his work ethic. Here’s what he wrote about Graham:
The Yale graduate built on his good work last summer, and he showed out this year. The numbers won’t pop off the page, but Graham did everything asked of him in his role these past few weeks. He was a valuable safety net over the middle of the field for his QBs, an efficient blocker, showcased great hands, displayed good athleticism, and even proved versatile enough to play some fullback when Ricky Ortiz got hurt.
The Eagles announced seven roster moves in total prior to hitting the practice field on July 27. They put three players on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Here are all the adjustments:
Eagles have signed TE Jaeden Graham, C Cameron Tom, and WR Lance Lenoir and released T Jarrid Williams. TE Richard Rodgers, T/G Brett Toth, and TE Tyree Jackson have been placed on the active physically unable to perform list.
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Eagles Urged to Bolster Depth at Tight End
Depth at tight end had been a mild concern for the Eagles heading into training camp. Dallas Goedert remains Philly’s best player at the position — a guy ready for a “breakout” year — as he continues his transition into the starting spot. People are expecting a Pro Bowl leap but there isn’t much behind Goedert.
TE Tyree Jackson & OL Brett Toth will both begin training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, per @JimmyKempski
Jack Stoll will enter camp as the favorite to win the backup spot, with a possible challenge from rookie Grant Calcaterra. The Eagles envision Tyree Jackson eventually assuming the No. 2 role, but he is recovering from a torn ACL. Jackson — along with veteran Richard Rodgers — was placed on the PUP list to start the year.
Noah Togiai has also been generating buzz as a player to watch. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside will also get a shot at the job after it was announced he’ll be converting from wide receiver to tight end.
The Eagles had been urged to upgrade at tight end, including pleas for them to sign either Kyle Rudolph or Eric Ebron. Heavy even petitioned for them to make a trade for Mike Gesicki. They didn’t. Instead, they’ll throw Graham into the mix.
Eagles Players Reported on July 26
Eagles players reported to South Philadelphia on July 26 for camp. Head coach Nick Sirianni was supposed to address the team at 6 p.m. in a closed-door meeting. The guys also sat down with photographers for their official shoots and judging by the pictures the theme for the year has big Rocky vibes.
There were videos of Jalen Hurts and others bouncing around a boxing ring with gloves on. Take a look:
First day back and already in the ring.
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Eagles Make 7 Roster Moves: Sign Ex-Falcons ‘Secret Weapon’