Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is seizing a unique opportunity this offseason, stepping up as the starting linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles due to injuries to Nakobe Dean and Jihaad Campbell. Trotter Jr., the son of Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, has been taking first-team reps and is eager to prove his worth. He expressed gratitude for the increased playing time, emphasizing his commitment to improving and building trust with the coaching staff. The hitting of injuries to key players can often create challenges, but for Trotter Jr., it has been a chance to showcase his talents.

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a linebacker dilemma as offseason workouts commence. First-Team All-Pro Zack Baun enters his second year, but the position alongside him remains uncertain due to Nakobe Dean's recovery from a torn patellar tendon. Dean sustained this injury during the playoffs last season, complicating the depth chart. The Eagles have also drafted Jihaad Campbell, who is sidelined with shoulder and knee injuries until mid-August, leaving 2024 late-round pick Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to take reps with Baun. This situation poses a challenge for the Eagles, emphasizing the need to solidify their defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Jalen Carter, the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive tackle, is rapidly establishing himself as a dominant force in the NFL. After a standout college career at Georgia, he has already accumulated 10.5 sacks in just two seasons. Although he may not have recorded statistics in his last game against the Kansas City Chiefs, his presence was felt as he consistently drew double teams, highlighting his impact on the field. Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter praised Carter's potential, suggesting that his best performances are still ahead of him. As he continues to develop, Carter promises to be a critical component of Philadelphia's defense in pursuit of another Super Bowl run.

The Philadelphia Eagles have secured a local talent by drafting Kyle McCord, the Syracuse quarterback, with the 181st pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Hailing from Mt. Laurel, McCord's journey began at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, where he was a standout player, leading his high school to three consecutive state championships alongside Jeremiah Trotter Jr., now an Eagles linebacker. After two seasons at Ohio State, McCord shifted to Syracuse for his final year, where he excelled, leading the Orange to a 10-win season and an ACC-record 4,779 passing yards in 2024.

Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and weighing 218 pounds, McCord is recognized for his impressive physical attributes and mental acuity on the field. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised his rapid decision-making skills and ability to process plays. Joining a quarterback room featuring franchise starter Jalen Hurts, McCord is excited to learn from him and the coaching staff. For McCord, being drafted by the Eagles fulfills a lifelong dream, as he grew up a fan of the team.

Payton Wilson has made a strong impression in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, overcoming injury concerns from the NFL draft to become a key contributor. As one of the highest-graded linebackers from his draft class, Wilson excelled on passing downs and showcased his tackling ability, positioning him for a promising role in 2025.

Meanwhile, Frankie Luvu of the Washington Commanders is a candidate for dynasty managers to trade away. His inconsistent production makes him less reliable, and with potential regression looming, now may be the optimal time to capitalize on his past performance. In contrast, other linebackers such as Tyrice Knight, Jaylon Carlies, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are highlighted as trade targets for those looking to bolster their rosters.