Graham running with first team after Babin gets walking papers

Andy Reid might not be here next season, but he’s still evaluating the future of the franchise he’s run for 14 years.

By cutting Jason Babin Tuesday, the Eagles’ coach ensured his young players would get more reps. It also sent a clear message that everyone is on alert.

Trent Cole, one of Babin’s closest friends on the team, admitted that he was surprised by the move. In fact, Babin was sitting in Cole’s garage when the call came in. At first, he thought it was a joke. It wasn’t.

“I was surprised,” Cole said, “but I’ve been in the league for eight years now and seen people come and go and it’s just business. There’s nothing you can really say. That’s between him and the franchise and that’s it. We’re going to miss him.”

Of course, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. With Babin out of the picture, Brandon Graham worked with the first-team unit. He’s expected to start Sunday in Dallas.

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to go out there and make plays,” Graham said. “That’s all I’m here for is to make plays and to go out there and do what I do.”

Babin’s absence also leaves the door wide open for second-round pick Vinny Curry to see increased snaps.

“It gives you that urge to go even harder in practice,” Curry said.