This month in Philadelphia Eagles history: 5 Birds who got tagged
By Alex DeMarzo
Jeremiah Trotter, LB
The first time that the Eagles would utilize the franchise tag would be in 2002. It was obvious this was a new experience when the issues began to surface. Then again, what would you expect when you try to slap the franchise tag on an outspoken, two-time Pro Bowl linebacker like Jeremiah Trotter?
Trotter was opposed to being franchise tagged and reportedly voiced his concerns with head coach Andy Reid. The Eagles rescinded the tag, and once Trotter became a free agent, he signed a seven-year, $36 million deal with the rival Washington Redskins.
Unfortunately for ‘Trot’, once he left Philadelphia for Washington, he wasn’t the same linebacker fans were used to seeing. Trotter spent just two seasons in Washington dealing with numerous injuries. He’d eventually reunite with ‘The Birds’ in 2004 to revive his career, and he helped Philly reach the second Super Bowl in team history while being selected to the Pro Bowl in ’04 and ’05.