As the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their offseason workouts, a glaring issue at the linebacker position quickly came into focus, sparking intrigue about the team’s plans for the 2025 season. With First-Team All-Pro Zack Baun set to anchor the defense in his second year with the team, the question of who will line up beside him remains a puzzle—one that may reveal a surprising truth about a young player’s future.
Last season’s starter, Nakobe Dean, is still sidelined, recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained during Philadelphia’s 22-10 victory in the wild card round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ 2025 first-round pick, Jihaad Campbell, selected 31st overall, is battling shoulder and knee injuries that are expected to keep him out until mid-August. These setbacks have left a void in the linebacker corps, thrusting an unexpected name into the spotlight: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter is no stranger to Eagles fans. The son of franchise legend Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the younger Trotter was a late-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Clemson. In his rookie season, he carved out a role as a key special-teams contributor, earning the respect of coaches and fans alike. The emotional weight of his selection was amplified by the fact that both father and son celebrated a Super Bowl title together with the Eagles, making his draft moment a storybook chapter in Philadelphia’s storied history.
Now, with Dean and Campbell sidelined, Trotter has been taking first-team reps alongside Baun, a development that has raised eyebrows and sparked questions about his readiness for a larger role. The shift from special-teams standout to potential starter is a significant leap, but Trotter’s pedigree and early performance suggest he may be up to the challenge. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s decision to give the young linebacker starting reps signals confidence in his abilities, hinting that Trotter’s development may be further along than anyone anticipated.
But can Trotter hold his own in this elevated role? His lineage suggests he has the potential to thrive in the NFL, carrying the same tenacity and football IQ that made his father a household name. Fangio’s trust in him further underscores the possibility that Trotter could be more than a temporary fill-in. However, with Dean and Campbell expected to return, the Eagles face a critical decision: will Trotter’s time with the first team be a short-term experiment, or is Philadelphia quietly grooming him for a permanent spot in the starting lineup?
The Eagles’ linebacker situation remains fluid, with all options on the table for who will ultimately pair with Baun in 2025. For now, Trotter’s emergence is a compelling storyline, one that could reshape expectations for his future with the team. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on whether this young linebacker can seize the opportunity and cement his place in Philadelphia’s defense—or if the return of the team’s “star” linebackers will push him back to the sidelines. One thing is certain: the Eagles may be hiding a shocking truth about Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s potential to become a cornerstone of their defense.