Eagles sign Trotter; release Garcia

The Eagles have signed Jeremiah Trotter to a 1-year deal. To make room for Trotter, the team released QB Jeff Garcia.

“Jeremiah Trotter has always been one of my favorite players,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He has worked very hard to keep himself in shape and we are pleased with where he is physically. We are excited to give him an opportunity to contribute to our football team.”

A four-time Pro Bowler, Trotter (6-1, 262) is now in his third stint in Philadelphia. Originally a third-round draft choice of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter racked up 100-or-more tackles and led the team in that category in five of his seven seasons in Philadelphia. He also became the fourth linebacker in team history with four-or-more Pro Bowls, joining Chuck Bednarik (8), Maxie Baughan (5), and Bill Bergey (4).

The 32-year-old Trotter last played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007. He was released by the Eagles prior to the start of that season. Trotter has played in 134 games (117 starts) in his ten-year career, tallying 1,201 tackles, 12.5 sacks, nine interceptions (two touchdown returns), and eight forced fumbles.

Trotter spent his first four years in Philadelphia (1998-2001), garnering Pro Bowl honors following the 2000 and 2001 seasons before joining the Washington Redskins in 2002. He was released by the Redskins after the 2003 season, and re-signed with the Eagles in 2004. He spent the first seven games of that season as a reserve linebacker, but re-claimed the starting middle linebacker spot midway through the year and was instrumental in the Eagles run to the Super Bowl. Trotter went on to earn his third and fourth Pro Bowl nominations following the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

A native of Hooks, TX, Trotter starred collegiately at Stephen F. Austin. He and his wife, Tammi, reside in South Jersey with their daughter, Tremil, and their two sons, Jeremiah Jr. and Josiah.

“Jeff Garcia is a true professional and I know the players and coaches appreciated having him around these last two weeks," Reid said. "There is no doubt Jeff can still perform at a championship caliber level in the National Football League.”