MikeB Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 The franchise tag was officially removed today and he is expected not ro resign with the Eagles. Barry Gardner will be the Eagles new middle linebacker.<br /><br />Just heard it on 610 WIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Don't get your hopes up. He's not coming here, certainly not before draft day. Unfortunately, however, he may end up with a blue star on his helmet.<br /><br />Here's the official word:<br /><br />Eagles | Franchise Tag Removed from Trotter - from KFFL (http://nfl.kffl.com)<br />April 5, 2002 15:39:43 PT The Philadelphia Eagles have withdrawn the franchise tag placed on LB Jeremiah Trotter. Trotter is now an unrestricted free agent and is able to sign with any team. Head coach Andy Reid said he felt it was in the best interest of Trotter and the Eagles to remove the tag and let Trotter explore other options.<br /> <br /> <small>[ April 05, 2002, 07:09 PM: Message edited by: redman ]</small> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeB Posted April 5, 2002 Author Share Posted April 5, 2002 Someone called in talking the Browns? But I don't know if that was fact or speculation based. I don't expect him here... it's just nice he won't be on the Eagles. I doubt he goes to the Cowboys too--but that would suck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Any way you look at it, it weakens the Buzzards, who just lost an all-pro with no compensation. And thats good for the Skins. <img border="0" alt="[laugh]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh.gif" /> <br /><br />However, I think the Buzzards are up to something sneaky now -- like trading for Warren Sapp of the Bucs. By releasing Trotter they now have salary cap room to accomodate Sap's contract. And they have a #1 and two #2 picks to trade to the Bucs <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /><br /> <br /> <small>[ April 05, 2002, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: inmate running the asylum ]</small> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Hey, Jeremiah. It's a pleasure to meet you. Let me tell you a little about what we're talking about here. You know what I did in Baltimore with that defense, and here in Washington, we have so many pieces. We think you got a pretty raw deal up there in Philly. They kept you too long, and most of the free agent money is dried up. <br /><br />But, you know, some people say Marvin Lewis knows middle linebackers and, well, as Marvin, I think you are the guy who could continue that. No, no, we can't pay you a lot. Not a lot, no. But, boy, it'd be pretty nice for you to get the Eagles twice this year, wouldn't it? And, if you look to one side you got a Pro Bowler in Lavar. If you look to the other you have a Pro Bowler in Jesse. <br /><br />Why don't you come here for a year maybe. Maybe more. Just to teach the Eagles a lesson. To bring together the best linebacking corp in football with your addition? Give it some thought will ya?<br /><br />And, that is how Marvin will pitch Trotter <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="smile.gif" /> .<br /><br />Of course, we don't have the cash for him. He'd be a sweet fit in Dallas and would be an exceptional signing for them if he were to go that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 He would be a great fit here, Art, especially for one year with the promise that we would reward him handsomely next year. <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Trotter was one of my early free agency desires prior to the season ending and the Eagles franchising him. I admit he'd be a luxury and he'll probably go somewhere they have more cash for him, but, dammit, this is a guy that would be a real stud in our defense. We'd have teams not knowing if we were coming or going with that linebacking crew. <br /><br />And, to add to another thread, if we were to get this guy, which we won't, but if we were, and the stars aligned and Roy Williams took a toke or something the night before the draft, we'd have a defense, even without a tackle, that would be scary to behold <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="smile.gif" /> . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Yeah, I would be willing to do 20 Hail Mary's if we signed Trotter -- and I aint even Catholic. <img border="0" alt="[laugh]" title="" src="graemlins/laugh.gif" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 We would then have 2/3 of our linebacking corps with a huge chip on their shoulder toward their former team, and our division rival. Not to mention they're somewhat talented as well, which helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy-the-Greek Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 He is only out for the the money. I don't want the guy. Instead of staying with the eagles and having a shot at the superbowl. He would rather leave now and go to a losing team with cap money but no chance to win big. What does that tell you about this guy. Maybe I am just mad. I know we don't have the cap room to give him the signing bonus he wants. Art's post makes you think. If you had those 3 LB's on the same team. Where do you think they would rate? Would they be in the top 5 LB tandems of all time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 It'd be one heck of a dynamic, accomplished group, there's no doubt about that Tommy. How it'd rate would have to be up there, as you don't find many teams with three active Pro Bowl linebackers on the same roster too often. It's a nice thought, but, unless Trotter can't get a reasonable offer, he won't come here. He is a bit more concerned about money than you'd like, given the fact that he was to be a Top 5 paid player at his position and it wasn't good enough for him. Still, he's a guy I've always liked as a player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Amazing the Eagles will lose Trotter. I can't see Dallas purusing him. They're very pleased with Dat and how he's progressing -- his season last year was #2 or #3 on the Cowboys all-time single season tackle list. So he's no slouch in my humble opinion...<br /><br />Also, Dallas is hot after Kevin Hardy right now. If we sign a linebacker, it'll be him. FoxSports actually says he could be signed by the weekend. He did leave town today without a contract in hand, but that was because he had a function to attend elsewhere... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrangeSkin Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 If he's only in it for the money, then why the heck didn't he stay in Philly, where he'd be making $5mil for one year?<br /> <br /> <small>[ April 05, 2002, 10:21 PM: Message edited by: OrangeSkin ]</small> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeSkins Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Trotter vs. Barber???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Diggler Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 From CNNSI:<br /><br />The Eagles' release of Jeremiah Trotter on Friday afternoon came as such a surprising twist that we don't know much yet about his immediate future in the NFL. <br /><br />But this much already is clear: The two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker probably has a strong grievance claim to file against Philadelphia if he so desires. <br /><br />Trotter's case? Basically that the Eagles subverted the intended use of the franchise-player designation, slapping the label on him in February to keep him out of the free-agent market, then removing it and dumping him in April after his marketability has all but dried up. <br /><br />Philadelphia's move may not have been intended as retribution, in light of the contractual squabbling that the two sides have engaged in this offseason, but perceptions have a power all their own. And in this case, the early perception is that Trotter has been wronged. <br /><br />Remember, the franchise tag was introduced to reward the game's best players with contracts befitting their status, while also allowing teams to virtually block one their star players from leaving via free agency. It was supposed to be a win-win. <br /><br />Only this time, Trotter seems like the biggest loser. <br /><br />Trotter's agent, Jimmy Sexton, declined comment on his client's options on Friday. But it doesn't take a degree in reading between the lines to see that Trotter's case may have legs when it comes to the Eagles' handling of the franchise tag. <br /><br />Just hours before the Eagles faxed a letter to Sexton on Friday, informing him that they were removing the franchise tag and making Trotter a free agent, two more teams agreed to terms with high-profile linebackers. The Steelers signed former New York Jet James Farrior, and Cleveland snapped up ex-Steeler Earl Holmes. <br /><br />How different might either team's decision been -- especially the Browns, who have eagerly sought a middle linebacker -- had they known Trotter was about to become a free agent? Before free agency began, Trotter was projected as the most coveted linebacker in the market. The Eagles knew that, that's why they slapped their vacant franchise tag on their defensive MVP, guaranteeing him a salary equal to the average of the top five players at his position. <br /><br />That meant Trotter had at least one season at $5.515 million coming his way, with the chance to negotiate a long-term deal with Philadelphia in the meantime. But those negotiations went nowhere, with the Eagles believing that Trotter was significantly over-pricing himself and imminently replaceable. For his part, Trotter reportedly made noise about not wanting to play in Philadelphia past this season. <br /><br />The Eagles made it known recently that Trotter could be had in trade, for perhaps as little in return as a third-round pick. But trades are a rarity in the NFL, mostly for cap reasons, and significant talks never materialized. <br /><br />Trotter's side contends that the fourth-year veteran already had accepted his franchise designation for 2002, and had put behind him any lingering animosity over his contract. He sought assurances that the Eagles wouldn't franchise him again next season, but disputes that he was a malcontent agitating for an end to his Philadelphia tenure. <br /><br />But the end came nonetheless. So now what for Trotter, who at 25 already has two Pro Bowl starts and three seasons of leading his team in tackles? <br /><br />The most logical destination for him is Green Bay, which has a crying need for a middle linebacker to replace the departed Bernardo Harris. The Packers were the one team that was at least investigating a trade for Trotter, with head coach/general manager Mike Sherman discussing the move with his Eagles counterpart, Andy Reid, a friend and fellow ex-Packers assistant. <br /><br />Green Bay doesn't have much cap room to work with after landing its big free-agent catch of the offseason -- former Saints defensive end Joe Johnson -- but the Packers have an open mind and might get creative in order to secure Trotter. Green Bay is expected to free up some sizable cap room in June by either releasing veteran receiver Antonio Freeman or restructuring his contract. It's possible, given the lateness of the date in terms of free agency, that Trotter might have to wait until June to get the deal he desires in Green Bay. <br /><br />The other most plausible option is Houston. The Texans are getting a little tight under the cap themselves, given the necessary depth of their rookie salary pool, but general manager Charley Casserly originally intended to pursue Trotter in free agency. That changed when the Eagles applied the franchise tag. But the chance to sign a player of Trotter's talent without giving up compensation to Philadelphia may be too appealing to turn down. <br /><br />Wherever he lands, Trotter may not be ready to put Philadelphia completely in his rear-view mirror. From franchised to disenfranchised. The battle between Trotter and the Eagles may still loom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indyskinsfan Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Trotter's probably going to scooped up in the AFC. NOT SD though, or Baltimore, or Indy, or NE. However, the Raiders in the free wheeling style, but not lately, may do it. They have had good success with signing former Eagles players. Trotter would be nothing short of phenomenal with Arrington and Armstead and would bring back visions of the Chicago Bears and the NY Giants of the 80's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrangeSkin Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 I doubt that the Raiders will be interested in signing Trotter since they're going to be $50mil over the cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VoR Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 Why would the Iggs, in essence, release Trotter, when they were comfortable under the cap, even after accounting for his one-year salary (5.5 mil)?<br /><br />The Eagles are up to something...I think they're manoeuvering for a big trade on draft day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagletistic Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dirk Diggler aka Jimmy Sexton Jr.:<br /><strong>From CNNSI:<br /><br />But this much already is clear: The two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker probably has a strong grievance claim to file against Philadelphia if he so desires. <br /><br />Trotter's case? Basically that the Eagles subverted the intended use of the franchise-player designation, slapping the label on him in February to keep him out of the free-agent market, then removing it and dumping him in April after his marketability has all but dried up.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">What? Lets be realistic for one second. The Eagles tagged Trotter which would guarantee him 5.51 Mil for 2002. When they tagged him the offer sheet was given for him to sign. Days, weeks went by and Trotter stood behind his agent and waited for the money. Every team tags a player knowing that he will be upset. The Eagles drafted him in the 3rd RD and rumors (I say rumors because I am a fan not part of the Eagles brain trust) were willing to get a 3rd in return. <br /><br /> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dirk Diggler aka Jimmy Sexton Jr.:<br /><strong><br />Remember, the franchise tag was introduced to reward the game's best players with contracts befitting their status, while also allowing teams to virtually block one their star players from leaving via free agency. It was supposed to be a win-win.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Was he not going to be one of the top 5 MLB's paid in the NFL? By releasing him the Eagles have nothing to gain but will eliminate the possiblity of a cancer brewing in the clubhouse.<br /><br /> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dirk Diggler aka Jimmy Sexton Jr.:<br /><strong>From CNNSI:<br />Just hours before the Eagles faxed a letter to Sexton on Friday, informing him that they were removing the franchise tag and making Trotter a free agent, two more teams agreed to terms with high-profile linebackers. The Steelers signed former New York Jet James Farrior, and Cleveland snapped up ex-Steeler Earl Holmes.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Is there not two sides to this story? Banner repied that he did get a call from Sexton earlier in the week about a possible signing but only if the Eagles would not tag him after the 2002 season. He also stated that Reid was away on pursuing draft issues and would not be back until Friday. Upon reviewing the no tag request for next season the Eagles thought he was still bitter. Just wanting to play out the contract and move on. Sure he would help out but the Eagles would be back to square one next year.<br /><br /> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dirk Diggler aka Jimmy Sexton Jr.:<br /><strong>From CNNSI:<br />How different might either team's decision been -- especially the Browns, who have eagerly sought a middle linebacker -- had they known Trotter was about to become a free agent? Before free agency began, Trotter was projected as the most coveted linebacker in the market. The Eagles knew that, that's why they slapped their vacant franchise tag on their defensive MVP, guaranteeing him a salary equal to the average of the top five players at his position.<br /><br />That meant Trotter had at least one season at $5.515 million coming his way, with the chance to negotiate a long-term deal with Philadelphia in the meantime. But those negotiations went nowhere, with the Eagles believing that Trotter was significantly over-pricing himself and imminently replaceable. For his part, Trotter reportedly made noise about not wanting to play in Philadelphia past this season.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It's obvious that besides the Eagles every other franchise thought the price was high. There have been franchise tags before, there have been draft choices rewarded. This is nothing new. If a team thought it was worth the price they would have jumped. Are you saying(or CNNSI) that the Eagles called every team in the NFL and ask if they would bite if the Eagles tagged him? After getting no you (or CNNSI) would think that the Eagles would drop the franchise tag for spite? <br /><br /> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Dirk Diggler aka Jimmy Sexton Jr.:<br /><strong><br />The Eagles made it known recently that Trotter could be had in trade, for perhaps as little in return as a third-round pick. But trades are a rarity in the NFL, mostly for cap reasons, and significant talks never materialized.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">A 2 time Pro Bowler for a 3rd RD? Yes trades are rare in the NFL but they happen. The Franchise tag rewards a team 2 1st rd picks if they lose that player. The Eagles were asking for a 3rd which is more of a compensation pick since he was drafted in the 3rd RD. Still no bites. <br /><br />Say what you want about the Trotter situation. As an Eagle fan I enjoyed watching him play. He is a talent no doubt. From what I watched and read in Philly he was a team player, well liked in the locker room. But it could have been a major problem to the other vets if he came here to play out his contract. The Eagles are notorious to have money going into the season with money under the cap and extend contract of other players. If they gave in to the demands of Trotter and his agent it could have been a domino effect for Douglas, Vincent and Dawkins.<br /><br />Reid has done something that many coaches and franchises will not do in the NFL. They gave him an offer and will give into his demands and weaken the team in the coming years. Philly said goodbye to a player that has not even reached his peak. He will find a new home, maybe even return to the Suber Bowl. But it most likely kept the nucleus together. Call him stupid or crazy for the decision but I back it 100%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagletistic Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Eagletistic:<br /><br />Reid has done something that many coaches and franchises will not do in the NFL. They gave him an offer and will give into his demands and weaken the team in the coming years. Philly said goodbye to a player that has not even reached his peak. He will find a new home, maybe even return to the Suber Bowl. But it most likely kept the nucleus together. Call him stupid or crazy for the decision but I back it 100%.[/QB]</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">No I wasn't smoking crack but it is a little late. I stated Trotter may return to the Super Bowl. Yeah wishful thinking. I meant to say Pro Bowl.<br /><br />Man I set myself up for this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 Now that was an essay. Check this out Eaglestic aka <img border="0" alt="[question]" title="" src="graemlins/question.gif" /> The article as written by Banks aka Cnn/SI writer. <br /><br /><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/don_banks/news/2002/04/05/banks_insider/" target="_blank">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/don_banks/news/2002/04/05/banks_insider/</a><br /><br />That's okay on the mistake. It is Friday. <img border="0" alt="[pint]" title="" src="graemlins/pint.gif" /><br /> <br /> <small>[ April 06, 2002, 01:20 AM: Message edited by: Park City Skins ]</small> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagletistic Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 If you read one you must read them all.<br /><br /> <a href="http://foxsports.lycos.com/content/view?contentId=430604" target="_blank">Another point of view from a writer</a> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins57 Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 ok cap guys, who's contract could we rework and who could be released to sign him?<br />You know Lewis has wood for this guy and I would not be surprised to see him atleast talk to us.<br />Trotter wants the Eagles, Jesse wants the Giants and I remember last season LaVar going off after the 2nd Dallas game so I think LaVar is on a mission this year againist Dallas(Watch out Carter or Hutch or whoever....).<br />This could get interesting <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 I don't see that much dropoff in talent at MLB for the iggles if trotter moves on.<br /><br />And we dont realy need to have big money tied into a MLB when we still need another DT and DE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins57 Posted April 6, 2002 Share Posted April 6, 2002 I believe I got a little name happy I think. If we had another huge DT to play besides Big Daddy we could make Mitchell look like a great MLB. It would be nice to have Trotter but a luxury we can not afford when we have Woeful and Craig under center and nneed another g and DLineman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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