The news that sent shock waves through Philadelphia today is the Eagles stunning release of veteran leader and starting middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. At first I was angry when I heard the news via a text message from my good friend, but now after having a few hours to soak it all in I think this is a good way for the Eagles to see just what they have with their young linebackers. The next step for Trotter now is to decide on either retirement, which he seems opposed to according to his press conference, or sign with another team.
That other team might just be the New Orleans Saints? In the last two years the Saints have acquired two former Eagles linebackers in Mark Simoneau and Dhani Jones, and former defensive tackle Hollis Thomas. Simoneau is their current starting MLB, and for a team who needs defensive help and more veteran leaders Trotter seems to be a nice fit. Signing him to the veteran minimum would also be a steal. New Orleans might quickly become a washed up Philadelphia Eagles graveyard. Other teams that could be a fit for Jeremiah include the Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers.
As for the Eagles, Takeo Spikes (10yrs), Omar Gaither (2yrs), Stewart Bradley (R), Matt McCoy (3yrs), Chris Gocong (1yr on IR), Tank Daniels (2yrs), Dedrick Roper (3yrs), and Akeem Jordan (R) will have to step up now at linebacker. Combined, without Takeo, they have a collective 11 years of experience with only McCoy and Gaither having more than one start under their belts. I guess Spikes will be the new voice in the locker room along with defensive captain Brian Dawkins?
I'm still not sure why Trotter wouldn't have been good to keep around even if only as a backup and mentor for Gaither. His $2.7M a year salary is probably the reason for that not being a possibility or a reality.
The cut of Trotter seems to have put most Eagles veterans heads down (See Dawkins, McNabb, and Spikes recent comments), will this take some fire away from an already identity-free defense?
Original Story:
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Dep....
That other team might just be the New Orleans Saints? In the last two years the Saints have acquired two former Eagles linebackers in Mark Simoneau and Dhani Jones, and former defensive tackle Hollis Thomas. Simoneau is their current starting MLB, and for a team who needs defensive help and more veteran leaders Trotter seems to be a nice fit. Signing him to the veteran minimum would also be a steal. New Orleans might quickly become a washed up Philadelphia Eagles graveyard. Other teams that could be a fit for Jeremiah include the Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers.
As for the Eagles, Takeo Spikes (10yrs), Omar Gaither (2yrs), Stewart Bradley (R), Matt McCoy (3yrs), Chris Gocong (1yr on IR), Tank Daniels (2yrs), Dedrick Roper (3yrs), and Akeem Jordan (R) will have to step up now at linebacker. Combined, without Takeo, they have a collective 11 years of experience with only McCoy and Gaither having more than one start under their belts. I guess Spikes will be the new voice in the locker room along with defensive captain Brian Dawkins?
I'm still not sure why Trotter wouldn't have been good to keep around even if only as a backup and mentor for Gaither. His $2.7M a year salary is probably the reason for that not being a possibility or a reality.
The cut of Trotter seems to have put most Eagles veterans heads down (See Dawkins, McNabb, and Spikes recent comments), will this take some fire away from an already identity-free defense?
Original Story:
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Dep....
