R1 An Philadelphia Eagles defender on a $4.34 million deal just sent a loud, unmistakable message with his play: he deserves more snaps.
Week 18 can bring a lot of emotions for NFL players. For some, it could be the disappointment of a once-promising season, for others, it can be the lone opportunity for a young player to gain favor in their organization for the following season.
For Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, the second-year linebacker made his second career start in Week 18 during the Eagles’ regular-season finale loss to the Washington Commanders. Trotter put together a 12-tackle game, four stops, three pressures, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss during his Week 18 performance, setting career highs while solidifying his place with the team for the foreseeable future.
Trotter is in the second year of his rookie deal and has mostly been a special teams piece for the organization since being drafted in the fifth round in 2024. Trotter, despite limited opportunities, has provided plenty of depth and skill at the linebacker position for Philadelphia, behind Nakobe Dean, Jihaad Campbell, and Zack Baun. While it’s unlikely Trotter will see extended defensive reps during the Eagles’ playoff push in 2025-26, he clearly has made Vic Fangio feel better if any of the starters go down due to injury.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. made some noise with his Week 18 performance
Trotter not only has validated the investment the Eagles have made, but also could have leveraged himself as a trade piece if needed. The linebacker is due just over one million dollars next season and could be traded to a linebacker-needy team that needs a player with high upside and a team-friendly price tag for two more seasons. Trotter could bring instant value to another NFL team, while freeing up a little bit of money for general manager Howie Roseman as well.
If Philadelphia did trade Trotter, they could rely on Smael Mondon and/or Chance Campbell to fill the void of their reserve linebacker. Both players are due small dollar amounts, with Campbell most likely being on a futures deal.
For Trotter, while the future may be unclear, what is clear is that he is a competent NFL linebacker. Coming from a football family, the 2024 fifth-round pick can make an impact and contribute in the NFL to many organizations moving forward, and could find himself making a nice living for the foreseeable future.
Zack Baun’s message after Eagles win over Bills is nightmare fuel for NFL
Despite all the talk about the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense struggling in the 13-12 win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, the Eagles’ defense was incredible to watch.
The Eagles didn’t allow any points until about midway through the fourth quarter and got some help from Josh Allen, who fumbled the ball, which Jihaad Campbell picked up. Allen was sacked five times, the Bills converted just six of 15 third downs, and had a fourth-down-and-two-point-conversion stop from inside the two-yard line.
After the game, Eagles linebacker Zack Baun had a chance to talk to FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews, where he had a message about what makes the Birds so good.
“We just got some dogs on this team.”
Baun and the Eagles are on a hot streak going into the postseason
It has not always been the smoothest ride this season, but the Eagles have been a streaky team throughout. After losing three straight, Philly is now on a three-game winning streak after the Bills game to get the momentum they needed going into the playoffs.
The story has been how great the defense has been in December, putting up crazy numbers when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. In the last four games, the Eagles have sacked quarterbacks 18 times, including five on Allen and seven on Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller Justin Herbert.
What’s even more impressive is that they were able to do that without Jalen Carter in the lineup, mostly. Of course, once he returns to the lineup, it just makes the defense that much better in the Bills game.
The Eagles have been one of the best defenses in the NFL since the bye week, but have put up good numbers overall. They are 13th in total defense with 316.7 yards per game, ninth in pass defense with 193.4 yards per game, and third in scoring defense with 18.8 points allowed per game.
No matter what has happened with this Eagles team this season, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has had this unit ready for every game. Going into the postseason, the offense may not scare anyone, but this defense is ready to rock and roll.
