The Axe is Back?: Former LB Trotter Brought in for Workout

The Eagles have made quite a name for themselves this year, from letting longtime veteran linemen waltz into free agency, to signing the controverisal QB Michael Vick, but today an announcement was made that may be even more shocking than the rest of the surprising stories: The team brought retired and former Eagles’ LB Jeremiah Trotter into the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia to examine his abilities and even potentially sign him if he still has enough talent to sufficiently play. The move was likely made because of the thinness of the current Middle Linebacker situation, with starter Omar Gaither slightly injured and his backups–Joe Mays and Moise Fokou–each dealing with their own injuries.

Trotter last played in the NFL in the 2007 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a reserve role, but before that spent a total of 7 years (divided into 2 stints) with the Birds, compiling 940 tackles, 9 interceptions, 12.5 sacks, and 4 Pro-Bowl appearances. In between his tenure with the Eagles, he played 2 seasons with the rival Redskins, but they were clearly not as productive for him as his time with the Eagles, and he has admitted that. Following the 2006 season, the “Axeman” (as he was called because of his celebratory “axe chop” motion) was released in a surprise to many fans, and was only able to find a job as a backup in Tampa Bay for one year. The reasoning for the removal of Trotter from the team 3 seasons ago was primarily because of his lack of speed and awareness.

It would certainly be an oddity seeing Jeremiah Trotter (pictured) in the defensive huddle this season, but with the array of shocking transactions executed in 2009, I guess it shouldn’t be excluded from discussion. The only thing I question about the decision to bring Trotter in for a workout is: why Trotter? Perhaps he is mentally ready to take on a new season and has even kept himself in shape physically despite pondering in retirement last season. Perhaps he still has that high intensity level, in which he claimed he still had when he held a press conference in 2006 addressing his departure. But even so, why risk putting a guy into the lineup that hasn’t played significantly in over three years when there are several free agent players available for hire that have proven capable of playing in the league at a decent level? Players like former Patriots’ OLB Roosevelt Colvin, experienced starter Nate Webster, and 11-time Pro-Bowler Derrick Brooks might be viable options, but thusfar the organization has shown little interest in them.

Whether the Eagles will make this potential reunion become a reality or not is unknown, but I will be sure to post any updates or news regarding the situation as soon as possible.

Picture source: Online image. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ELqDZrYSO8/Rs87AuvURTI/AAAAAAAAAIY/SooLFe9Mocs/s320/trotter116.jpg