Eagles rework Brandon Graham's contract, increase performance incentives

The Eagles reworked the contract of defensive end Brandon Graham, who can now earn an additional $1.5 million over the next two seasons through incentives and escalators, an NFL source said.

ESPN was first with the report and provided more detail. Graham's base salary remains at $6.5 million for the next two years, but he can increase his pay by reaching certain sack totals and by making the Pro Bowl or the all-pro team.

Graham had his best season in 2016 and was a second team all-pro. He notched only 5-1/2 sacks, though. If he records more than seven sacks and fewer than nine in 2017, he'll earn $250,000. If he finishes with more than nine sacks, he'll collect another $250,000. If Graham falls short of nine sacks but is voted to the Pro Bowl or named first- or second-team all-pro, he'll still get that $250,000.

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He has extra incentive to perform this season because his 2017 numbers and end-of-the-season honors could affect how much more he can make in 2018. If Graham notches seven or eight sacks, his 2018 salary will increase by $250,000; nine to 11 sacks, $500,000; and 12 or more sacks, $750,000. And if he makes the Pro Bowl or the all-pro team, his salary jumps an additional $250,000.

Graham, 29, missed a week of voluntary workouts in May. He hoped his absence would spur the Eagles to renegotiate the four-year contract he signed in 2014, league sources told the Inquirer then. Graham returned after the report and said that he was not unhappy with his deal and that he went home only to Detroit to spend time with his family.

Nevertheless, the Eagles ultimately amended his contract and have given him an opportunity to earn more money.