Overview

• At DeVonta Smith’s celebrity softball game on June 29, retired Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham publicly questioned Deebo Samuel’s current fitness.
• Graham said Samuel “gotta be in shape first” and suggested the wide receiver doesn’t look prepared following offseason health setbacks.
• Samuel joined the Washington Commanders in March on a one-year evaluation deal after a 2024 season hampered by pneumonia, rib and calf injuries and a reported 20-pound weight gain.
• Graham’s remarks add to his reputation for trash talk against NFC East rivals and echo his previous feud with Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin.
• The exchange heightens media scrutiny of Samuel’s readiness and escalates tensions ahead of the Eagles-Commanders preseason matchups.