The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a close, last-minute 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots, but the vibes are higher than they were after the Baltimore Ravens loss last week.
One of the standouts from the game was linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who shined for the second straight week. Trotter finished the game with 5 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack.
Many are wondering, though, what kind of role Trotter will play as he looks good enough to be a starter in this defense. That most likely won’t be the case.
Philadelphia Eagles Might Have Other Plans for Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is coming off another great performance in the preseason, but there is something to keep in mind with his role in 2026.
The Athletic Eagles reporter Zach Berman believes Trotter could be a great player for the team in 2026. As for Trotter being a starter? Berman doesn’t see that.
“Every time Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is on the field, he’s a factor. You saw that again Saturday. He had five tackles and flew through the line for a sack on a blitz. Trotter’s instincts are superb. One could look at him and say the way he plays would make him a natural replacement for Nakobe Dean. In fact, some Eagles fans have made that argument this summer.
Don’t expect it to happen. Jihaad Campbell, the first off-ball linebacker the Eagles have drafted in the first round in 46 years, will start next to Zack Baun to begin the season. This isn’t only based on draft pedigree. Campbell is 6-foot-3 with 32 1/2-inch arms and the speed to run sideline to sideline. The combination of length and range is hard to find. Campbell should improve with more playing time. His high-water mark (and tools) offer more upside than Trotter, even if Trotter seems like the better player at the moment.
But there’s no doubt that Trotter is a starting-caliber option. If Campbell were injured, the Eagles should feel comfortable with Trotter as a starter. He gives them rare depth at the position. I wrote last week that the Eagles have a surplus at inside linebacker and could be compelled to make a trade, but it would need to be someone like Smael Mondon Jr. because Trotter is too valuable to the defense — even as a reserve.”
Last season with the Eagles, Trotter racked up 32 tackles, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss in 17 games. He produced a team-high 12 tackles in the Eagles’ regular season finale loss to the Washington Commanders in 2025.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Will Have to Wait to be Eagles’ Starter
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had an impressive Week 2 performance in the NFL preseason.
Trotter has been more of a special teams player over the last two years, so his experience is limited. Even with that, he’s been one of the most underrated players on the team.
He will have to compete with Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell for playing time in the starting lineup. Baun is always going to be in the lineup, but many believe Trotter could take the starting job away from Campbell.
It’s going to take more than just two good preseason games to have Trotter in the lineup. He will have to earn it during the regular season, which he has proven he can do.
Eagles Insider Shared Brutal Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Reality After Preseason Loss