When the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off their offseason workouts, a glaring issue emerged at the linebacker position. While First-Team All-Pro Zack Baun is locked in for his second season with the team, the question of who will line up beside him remains unanswered, creating a fascinating storyline for the 2025 season.
Last year’s starter, Nakobe Dean, is still sidelined as he recovers from a torn patellar tendon suffered during the Eagles’ 22-10 wild card playoff victory. Adding to the uncertainty, Philadelphia’s 2025 first-round draft pick, Jihaad Campbell, selected 31st overall, is battling shoulder and knee injuries that will keep him out until mid-August. With two key linebackers unavailable, the Eagles have turned to an unexpected name to fill the void: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter is no stranger to Eagles fans. The son of Philadelphia legend Jeremiah Trotter Sr., a former star linebacker for the team, the younger Trotter carved out a role as a key special-teams contributor during his rookie season in 2024 after being selected as a late-round draft pick out of Clemson. The emotional weight of father and son celebrating a Super Bowl title together last season made his draft selection a heartwarming moment for the Eagles organization and its fans.
Now, expectations for Trotter have shifted dramatically. Instead of focusing solely on special teams, the young linebacker has been thrust into first-team reps alongside Baun. This opportunity marks a significant step forward for a player who was not initially projected to start in 2025. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s confidence in giving Trotter these reps suggests that the rookie may be ahead of schedule in his development, showcasing a potential that few anticipated so early in his career.
Trotter’s pedigree as the son of an Eagles icon certainly adds intrigue to his rise. His work ethic, instincts, and physicality have drawn praise, and Fangio’s decision to trust him in this role speaks volumes about his potential to hold his own as a starter. However, the clock is ticking. Once Dean or Campbell returns from injury, Trotter’s time with the first team could be cut short. For now, though, he has a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting lineup.
The Eagles are clearly keeping all options open as they navigate the linebacker conundrum for the 2025 season. Whether Trotter can seize this moment and solidify his place alongside Baun remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the son of a Philadelphia legend is making waves in ways nobody expected. Time will tell if Trotter can turn his unexpected opportunity into a lasting role, but for now, he’s stepping up to the challenge and carrying the family legacy forward.