Breaking News: Trotter, Hartwell, and Rolle in today...

**dirk digler** · 03-02-2005, 10:36 AM

Per Denny Thum on 610. Hartwell and Trotter were called at 12:01 am today.

**DaKCMan AP** · 03-02-2005, 10:40 AM

Excellent. Hartwell or Trotter and Rolle would be huge additions and perfect start to the offseason.

crossbow · 03-02-2005, 10:41 AM

Like I said in a previous thread, Carl needs to pull a Lou Bush on Hartwell and not let him leave town unless he is signed. Only this time he will be doing it for a player that will upgrade the team. While Carl is at it maybe he can get Crocket out of retirement (that was a joke).

TEX · 03-02-2005, 10:43 AM

EXCELLENT! Is this the same Trotter who many here said was washed up last year?

keg in kc · 03-02-2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

EXCELLENT! Is this the same Trotter who many here said was washed up last year?

Come on, now. Many everywhere thought he was done, including the Eagles. He didn't even see the field in Philly until injuries dictated it.

Archie Bunker · 03-02-2005, 10:52 AM

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sp...ll/11026114.htm

Trotter, Eagles not talking as free-agency period starts

By Bob Brookover

Inquirer Staff Writer

The NFL's free-agent market opened today at one minute after midnight, and a long list of Eagles were available for the taking.

Jeremiah Trotter was among them, which could be an ominous development in the Eagles' quest to keep their starting middle linebacker.

A day after the Eagles' Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots, Trotter predicted that he'd be back with the team. "I'd love to retire in Philly," he said. "It's a winning program, and I love it in Philly. The fans love me, and I consider Philly like home. All I can say is: We probably will get a deal done. I know the Eagles want me back."

That part is true. The Eagles do want Trotter back, but all indications are that the offer they've put on the table has not satisfied the linebacker or his agent, Jimmy Sexton. The Eagles have tried for two days to get in touch with Sexton, but as of 8 o'clock last night the agent had not returned their phone calls. Sexton did not return a phone call from The Inquirer yesterday.

A league source said last night that Sexton has informed Trotter that he is probably going to have to go elsewhere if he wants to sign the kind of deal he is looking for. Two league sources have said that the Kansas City Chiefs are prepared to make an offer to Trotter.

If all of this sounds way too familiar, that's because it is. It was just three years ago at this time that the Eagles tried to keep Trotter by placing the franchise tag on him, but the middle linebacker balked at that move. After the Eagles removed the tag, Trotter signed a seven-year, $35.5 million deal with Washington that included a $7 million signing bonus.

After two miserable seasons with the Redskins, Trotter was released in June and rejoined the Eagles for the NFL veteran minimum of $535,000.

Trotter's unlikely return nearly had a perfect ending as the linebacker regained his starting job midway through the season and helped the Eagles make it to their first Super Bowl in 24 years. Now, it appears as if Trotter is ready to move on again. The only difference this time is that it appears there will be a lot less animosity between the two sides.

In addition to the Chiefs, it's possible the Vikings will make a run at Trotter: They have a lot of salary-cap room and need a strong presence in the middle.

What would the Eagles do without Trotter?

It's possible they could sign a free-agent linebacker, such as Baltimore's Edgerton Hartwell or Washington's Antonio Pierce. It's also possible that they could allow Mark Simoneau to return at middle linebacker. Simoneau held that role for seven games last season and all 16 games in 2003.

The team likes rookie linebacker Mike Labinjo, who performed well during the final three games of the regular season and in the playoffs. They also like Greg Richmond, who was a member of the practice squad all season.

None of the above, however, has the size or experience that made Trotter such a force on the field and in the locker room during the Eagles' run to the Super Bowl. Trotter has had both knees surgically repaired, and he wasn't the same player during his two seasons with Washington that he was during his previous three seasons with the Eagles, but it wouldn't be surprising to see other teams come after him.

Trotter was just one of 12 Eagles to hit the free-agent market today. Two others - running back Brian Westbrook and defensive tackle Corey Simon - aren't likely to be going anywhere. Westbrook is a restricted free agent, which means the Eagles can match any offer to their top back or receive a first-round draft pick. The Eagles placed the franchise tag on Simon last month, which all but guaranteed he'll be back.

Whenever the Eagles' top free agents have made it to the open market in the past, it usually signified that they would not be back with the team.

This class of free agents is a little different because there are some players the Eagles would like to have back, and some of them may even be willing to take less money to remain with the team.

That list includes linebackers Ike Reese and Keith Adams, both of whom are valuable role players and top contributors on special teams. If the Eagles fail to sign Trotter, they may end up bringing Reese, a Pro Bowler, and Adams back. If they re-sign Trotter, they will attempt to bring back just one of the two.

Reese's agent, Jim Gould, said yesterday he has not discussed specific numbers with the Eagles yet, but he knows the team wants to talk at some point.

"They've expressed a desire to keep him," Gould said. "I imagine we'll look at things in the next couple of days."

The Eagles would also like to have defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back Correll Buckhalter back, but both players will at least get an idea of their value on the open market before any deal is made with the Eagles.

The team's other free agents are guard Jermane Mayberry, tight end Chad Lewis, defensive end Hugh Douglas, fullback Jon Ritchie and offensive tackle Ian Allen. Of that group only Lewis and Douglas have any chance of rejoining the team. The Eagles were not likely to make an immediate pitch for free-agent players from other teams today.

T.O. update. Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens had two surgical screws removed from his right ankle yesterday during a visit to Mark Myerson's office in Baltimore.

Myerson operated on Owens on Dec. 22, three days after the wide receiver suffered a leg fracture and severe ankle sprain in a game against the Dallas Cowboys. Myerson inserted the two screws during the operation.

Owens defied Myerson's recommendation that he should not play in the Feb. 6 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, but all indications continue to be that the Eagles' star receiver came through the game fine.

Myerson said in a statement that an examination and X-ray showed the screws were ready to come out. He said Owens "will continue to undergo rehabilitation of the affected area" with Eagles team physicians Peter DeLuca and Paul Marchetto and trainers Rick Burkholder, Chris Peduzzi and Eric Sugarman.

"Given Mr. Owens' adherence to his recommended treatment path and his high level of conditioning, it is anticipated that Mr. Owens will enjoy a normal recovery from this injury," Myerson said.

Wallcrawler · 03-02-2005, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Come on, now. Many everywhere thought he was done, including the Eagles. He didn't even see the field in Philly until injuries dictated it.

He was in a crap defense in Washington, much like what Greg Robinson ran, the read and react BS instead of attacking.

He still racked up a ton of tackles, even in that crap scheme.

The Rush defense in Philly was getting worse by the game, and Trotter was moved into the starting lineup and made an immediate impact, and started every game from that point on. Injuries were not the issue with Trotter getting the start. On-field performance was.

It would be cool if the Chiefs signed him to play in Gun's attacking scheme. He's still got some good years in front of him at 27 years old. God knows we could seriously benefit from his run support skills.

MOhillbilly · 03-02-2005, 10:58 AM

the only thing about trotter that bothers me is that maybe he thought he was on the way outta the leauge and overachived after underachiving w/ the skins and will not be motivated to the same intensity level if given a big contract.

**dirk digler** · 03-02-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Stinger

He was in a crap defense in Washington, much like what Greg Robinson ran, the read and react BS instead of attacking.

He still racked up a ton of tackles, even in that crap scheme.

The Rush defense in Philly was getting worse by the game, and Trotter was moved into the starting lineup and made an immediate impact, and started every game from that point on. Injuries were not the issue with Trotter getting the start. On-field performance was.

It would be cool if the Chiefs signed him to play in Gun's attacking scheme. He's still got some good years in front of him at 27 years old. God knows we could seriously benefit from his run support skills.

Great points I was thinking Trotter was older than that.

**Iowanian** · 03-02-2005, 10:59 AM

I'm still a little leary of Trotter.

Why was he so bad in Washington, next to Arrington? He did have a good year, and would be an improvement of KaStinka, but I'd prefer Hartwell.....He's full of Tacklin' fuel.

Kris Kringle · 03-02-2005, 11:00 AM

Are Trotter and Hartwell both MLBs? If so, we will only want to sign one of them, right? There would be no reason to sign both? I think we need two LB's. I have no faith that Barber will be back this season. Unless Fox really comes on strong, we don't have anyone of any value on at the outside LB spot.

**dirk digler** · 03-02-2005, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I'm still a little leary of Trotter.

Why was he so bad in Washington, next to Arrington? He did have a good year, and would be an improvement of KaStinka, but I'd prefer Hartwell.....He's full of Tacklin' fuel.

But what about Hartwell lining up next to Ray Lewis? Do we really know how good Hartwell is because of that?

**Iowanian** · 03-02-2005, 11:01 AM

Trotter is a legit 4-3 MLB..........hartwell was an ILB in the 3-4 scheme in Balt.

I think he can translate to the 4-3 and be a huge improvement.

This year, is a good year, FA speaking to need CBs and MLBs.

thats a good point about Lewis and hartwell Dirk, but Hartwell was the leading tackler on balt for what....the past 3 seasons? This season, Lewis was hurt quite a bit, and hartwell still made the sticks.

He is a solid Tackler at Least.

milkman · 03-02-2005, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossbow

Like I said in a previous thread, Carl needs to pull a Lou Bush on Hartwell and not let him leave town unless he is signed. Only this time he will be doing it for a player that will upgrade the team. While Carl is at it maybe he can get Crocket out of retirement (that was a joke).

OK, I think you should be officially banned from ever making a joke again!

Sure-Oz · 03-02-2005, 11:02 AM

I heard last night on the news we were going hard after hartwell, i think he was overshadowed by lewis play and is a good run stopping LB.

03-02-2005, 10:36 AM
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $74644	Breaking News: Trotter, Hartwell, and Rolle in today... Per Denny Thum on 610. Hartwell and Trotter were called at 12:01 am today.
Posts: 67,127

03-02-2005, 10:40 AM	#2
DaKCMan AP Beloved & Awesome CP Celebrity Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Florida Casino cash: $5574952	Excellent. Hartwell or Trotter and Rolle would be huge additions and perfect start to the offseason. __________________
Posts: 35,714

03-02-2005, 10:41 AM	#3
crossbow King of Sarcasm Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: at home Casino cash: $10004900	Like I said in a previous thread, Carl needs to pull a Lou Bush on Hartwell and not let him leave town unless he is signed. Only this time he will be doing it for a player that will upgrade the team. While Carl is at it maybe he can get Crocket out of retirement (that was a joke).
Posts: 2,159

03-02-2005, 10:43 AM	#4
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Galveston, TX Casino cash: $-1506873	EXCELLENT! Is this the same Trotter who many here said was washed up last year? __________________ "Do we have time to run WASP?"
Posts: 37,117

03-02-2005, 10:52 AM	#6
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sp...ll/11026114.htm Trotter, Eagles not talking as free-agency period starts By Bob Brookover Inquirer Staff Writer The NFL's free-agent market opened today at one minute after midnight, and a long list of Eagles were available for the taking. Jeremiah Trotter was among them, which could be an ominous development in the Eagles' quest to keep their starting middle linebacker. A day after the Eagles' Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots, Trotter predicted that he'd be back with the team. "I'd love to retire in Philly," he said. "It's a winning program, and I love it in Philly. The fans love me, and I consider Philly like home. All I can say is: We probably will get a deal done. I know the Eagles want me back." That part is true. The Eagles do want Trotter back, but all indications are that the offer they've put on the table has not satisfied the linebacker or his agent, Jimmy Sexton. The Eagles have tried for two days to get in touch with Sexton, but as of 8 o'clock last night the agent had not returned their phone calls. Sexton did not return a phone call from The Inquirer yesterday. A league source said last night that Sexton has informed Trotter that he is probably going to have to go elsewhere if he wants to sign the kind of deal he is looking for. Two league sources have said that the Kansas City Chiefs are prepared to make an offer to Trotter. If all of this sounds way too familiar, that's because it is. It was just three years ago at this time that the Eagles tried to keep Trotter by placing the franchise tag on him, but the middle linebacker balked at that move. After the Eagles removed the tag, Trotter signed a seven-year, $35.5 million deal with Washington that included a $7 million signing bonus. After two miserable seasons with the Redskins, Trotter was released in June and rejoined the Eagles for the NFL veteran minimum of $535,000. Trotter's unlikely return nearly had a perfect ending as the linebacker regained his starting job midway through the season and helped the Eagles make it to their first Super Bowl in 24 years. Now, it appears as if Trotter is ready to move on again. The only difference this time is that it appears there will be a lot less animosity between the two sides. In addition to the Chiefs, it's possible the Vikings will make a run at Trotter: They have a lot of salary-cap room and need a strong presence in the middle. What would the Eagles do without Trotter? It's possible they could sign a free-agent linebacker, such as Baltimore's Edgerton Hartwell or Washington's Antonio Pierce. It's also possible that they could allow Mark Simoneau to return at middle linebacker. Simoneau held that role for seven games last season and all 16 games in 2003. The team likes rookie linebacker Mike Labinjo, who performed well during the final three games of the regular season and in the playoffs. They also like Greg Richmond, who was a member of the practice squad all season. None of the above, however, has the size or experience that made Trotter such a force on the field and in the locker room during the Eagles' run to the Super Bowl. Trotter has had both knees surgically repaired, and he wasn't the same player during his two seasons with Washington that he was during his previous three seasons with the Eagles, but it wouldn't be surprising to see other teams come after him. Trotter was just one of 12 Eagles to hit the free-agent market today. Two others - running back Brian Westbrook and defensive tackle Corey Simon - aren't likely to be going anywhere. Westbrook is a restricted free agent, which means the Eagles can match any offer to their top back or receive a first-round draft pick. The Eagles placed the franchise tag on Simon last month, which all but guaranteed he'll be back. Whenever the Eagles' top free agents have made it to the open market in the past, it usually signified that they would not be back with the team. This class of free agents is a little different because there are some players the Eagles would like to have back, and some of them may even be willing to take less money to remain with the team. That list includes linebackers Ike Reese and Keith Adams, both of whom are valuable role players and top contributors on special teams. If the Eagles fail to sign Trotter, they may end up bringing Reese, a Pro Bowler, and Adams back. If they re-sign Trotter, they will attempt to bring back just one of the two. Reese's agent, Jim Gould, said yesterday he has not discussed specific numbers with the Eagles yet, but he knows the team wants to talk at some point. "They've expressed a desire to keep him," Gould said. "I imagine we'll look at things in the next couple of days." The Eagles would also like to have defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back Correll Buckhalter back, but both players will at least get an idea of their value on the open market before any deal is made with the Eagles. The team's other free agents are guard Jermane Mayberry, tight end Chad Lewis, defensive end Hugh Douglas, fullback Jon Ritchie and offensive tackle Ian Allen. Of that group only Lewis and Douglas have any chance of rejoining the team. The Eagles were not likely to make an immediate pitch for free-agent players from other teams today. T.O. update. Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens had two surgical screws removed from his right ankle yesterday during a visit to Mark Myerson's office in Baltimore. Myerson operated on Owens on Dec. 22, three days after the wide receiver suffered a leg fracture and severe ankle sprain in a game against the Dallas Cowboys. Myerson inserted the two screws during the operation. Owens defied Myerson's recommendation that he should not play in the Feb. 6 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, but all indications continue to be that the Eagles' star receiver came through the game fine. Myerson said in a statement that an examination and X-ray showed the screws were ready to come out. He said Owens "will continue to undergo rehabilitation of the affected area" with Eagles team physicians Peter DeLuca and Paul Marchetto and trainers Rick Burkholder, Chris Peduzzi and Eric Sugarman. "Given Mr. Owens' adherence to his recommended treatment path and his high level of conditioning, it is anticipated that Mr. Owens will enjoy a normal recovery from this injury," Myerson said.
Posts: 6,219

03-02-2005, 10:58 AM	#8
MOhillbilly Mama Tried Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Missouri Casino cash: $9949903	the only thing about trotter that bothers me is that maybe he thought he was on the way outta the leauge and overachived after underachiving w/ the skins and will not be motivated to the same intensity level if given a big contract. __________________ True Son of Liberty
Posts: 23,371

03-02-2005, 10:59 AM	#10
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1638454	I'm still a little leary of Trotter. Why was he so bad in Washington, next to Arrington? He did have a good year, and would be an improvement of KaStinka, but I'd prefer Hartwell.....He's full of Tacklin' fuel.
Posts: 62,945

03-02-2005, 11:00 AM	#11
Kris Kringle Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $10004900	Are Trotter and Hartwell both MLBs? If so, we will only want to sign one of them, right? There would be no reason to sign both? I think we need two LB's. I have no faith that Barber will be back this season. Unless Fox really comes on strong, we don't have anyone of any value on at the outside LB spot. __________________ Yes, I really know if you've been naughty or nice!
Posts: 480

03-02-2005, 11:01 AM	#13
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1638454	Trotter is a legit 4-3 MLB..........hartwell was an ILB in the 3-4 scheme in Balt. I think he can translate to the 4-3 and be a huge improvement. This year, is a good year, FA speaking to need CBs and MLBs. thats a good point about Lewis and hartwell Dirk, but Hartwell was the leading tackler on balt for what....the past 3 seasons? This season, Lewis was hurt quite a bit, and hartwell still made the sticks. He is a solid Tackler at Least.
Posts: 62,945