Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has been arguably the biggest star on the team this preseason and training camp.
Trotter has been light-years better than he has been in the NFL over the last two years. Philly bet on him to be great in 2026 when they let Nakobe Dean walk, and that gamble is paying off big time.
During the Eagles' 24-21 preseason loss to the New England Patriots, Trotter again dominated the competition, racking up five tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. It's becoming clear to everyone, including Eagles legend Jason Kelce, that Trotter is the real deal.
Jason Kelce is becoming a big fan of Eagles' Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Kelce took to social media to react to a sack Trotter had in the Patriots game, where he blitzed on quarterback Tommy DeVito and took him to the ground within one second. That play showed Kelce something about the young linebacker.
"Very well timed blitz from Trotter, this is a bitch from underneath. The RB is responsible for picking him up, but he has no chance to get there. If the QB senses this he will get into the gun to avoid this situation. Some O-lines put squeeze rules in when the QB is under in case it is timed this well. Trotter’s development over the past couple years has been very evident this preseason, not just physically, but in his knowledge and anticipation."
Last season, Trotter racked up 32 tackles, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss in 17 games. He started one game in 2025 against the Washington Commanders in Week 18, finishing with 12 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Eagles fans have watched Trotter play well on special teams over the last two years, as one of the NFL's top special teams aces. The problem is that he was covered by multiple great linebackers like Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, and Nakobe Dean, who were considered better than Trotter.
Finally, the 2026 season will showcase Trotter in a way that makes him worth talking about. Everyone agrees that he could be a starting linebacker on man teams, but he will remain a backup to Baun and Campbell.
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This feels temporary for Trotter, though, because there will be a moment this season when he is on the field. He's too good a player to keep on the bench for the Eagles.
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