Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is not the first name that comes to mind when thinking of a defensive breakout candidate for the 2026 Eagles; in fact, he isn’t even the first linebacker that comes to mind.
The first linebacker who usually starts the conversation to have a 2026 breakout is Philadelphia’s 2025 first-round pick, Jihaad Campbell. If he is healthy this season, JTJ will have a hard time carving out a role.
But the NFL has a way of deviating from the script.
Jihaad has spent much of the offseason recovering from a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery and has been working his way back to being available for games.
During this time, Trotter has been putting in work. He showed up to OTAs in fantastic shape, and despite being former Eagles linebacking great Jeremiah Trotter’s son, he does not carry the pressure of being a first-round pick, nor the expectations that are associated with that. He is a fifth-round pick who many believe can outperform his draft spot by playing meaningful snaps if given first-team reps. Something he has been taking advantage of during camp. He is proving that he can excel in Fangio’s defense and that he belongs. It isn’t just his work ethic; he's also a great fit.
Trotter Jr. could be exactly who the 2026 Eagles defense needs playing alongside linebacker Zack Baun.
He can blitz, read the offense quickly, and create chaos.
Jeremiah has a talent and skill set similar to that of the player Philadelphia needs to fill the role left by Nakobe Dean. Jeremiah is a walking diagnostic machine who shoots gaps, attacks blockers, and cleans up tackles.
Lining Trotter Jr alongside Baun makes a lot of sense. Jeremiah is a linebacker who attacks downhill, and Baun is uber-athletic and likes to roam the field freely. Their talents complement one another.
If Campbell misses time, Jeremiah’s opportunity increases, and it would give him the chance to further prove himself in camp and/or games.
Jihaad may have the higher ceiling, but Trot is seemingly the cleaner fit. He knows the system, has experience, and has proven to be dependable. And with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, availability goes a long way towards securing a starting job.
Jeremiah has averaged about 10% of the defensive snaps over his first two seasons, but a starting role would elevate that to 75% or more, and that is what every player relishes. A chance to start and make an impact.
Playing behind Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo, with an increased workload, would turn Trotter into a tackling machine.
If Campbell stays healthy and fulfills expectations, Trotter likely remains a valuable rotational linebacker as opposed to a starter. But if injuries linger or opportunity knocks, the local kid with the famous last name could step into a much larger role and become one of the surprise stories of the Eagles’ 2026 season.
Sometimes a breakout isn’t about being the player who is presumed to be the most talented. Oftentimes, it is about being ready when your number is called, and that door of opportunity opens for you.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. may be closer to that door than most people realize.
As always, thank you for reading!
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