National Football League

Source: Eagles, Graham reach deal

Published Jul. 29, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Philadelphia Eagles and defensive end Brandon Graham, the 13th overall draft pick, have agreed to terms on a five-year deal, a team source confirmed.

Graham is expected to challenge veteran left defensive end Juqua Parker for a starting job right away. With Graham in the fold, the Eagles have deals with their entire draft class.

Details of the contract were not announced, but last year’s 13th overall pick, defensive end/outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, signed a six-year deal with the Washington Redskins worth a maximum of $20 million, with $12.1 million guaranteed.

Graham dominated Senior Bowl practices and was almost impossible to block during the entire week, which moved him well up draft boards. Philadelphia traded up to get the 6-foot-1, 270-pounder from Michigan who's known for his relentless play and high character.

The one negative with Graham is that his arms are shorter than ideal for a defensive end. Because of that, sources said that there was more than one team that had a second-round grade on him.

However, shorter arms generally are not a big issue in pass rushing. It could be a problem on running plays, a personnel source said, because offensive linemen can get their hands inside his pads more easily.

To make room for Graham on their 80-man roster, the Eagles waived undrafted free agent wide receiver Blue Cooper.

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