(TICKER) -- In a shocking move, the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday released veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Trotter was expected to start in the middle of a revamped linebacking corps that includes Takeo Spikes and Chris Gocong.
"Jeremiah is one of my favorite guys," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He and I met about this last night and it was very emotional for the both of us.
"Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he's played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I'm sure he feels the same way."
Trotter, 30, started 31 games for the Eagles the past two seasons. He recorded 87 tackles while playing in all 16 contests last season.
By releasing Trotter, the Eagles could be ready to give Omar Gaither a bigger role. The 2006 fifth-round pick saw increased playing time during his rookie season and finished the campaign with 64 tackles, one sack and an interception.
A 1998 third-round pick of the Eagles, Trotter was in his second stint with the team. He played his first five seasons with the club, then left after the 2001 campaign following a bitter contract dispute.
Trotter rejoined the Eagles for the 2004 season. He started the season on special teams, the became the starter midway through the campaign en route to helping the franchise reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1980.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Trotter was expected to start in the middle of a revamped linebacking corps that includes Takeo Spikes and Chris Gocong.
"Jeremiah is one of my favorite guys," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "He and I met about this last night and it was very emotional for the both of us.
"Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he's played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I'm sure he feels the same way."
Trotter, 30, started 31 games for the Eagles the past two seasons. He recorded 87 tackles while playing in all 16 contests last season.
By releasing Trotter, the Eagles could be ready to give Omar Gaither a bigger role. The 2006 fifth-round pick saw increased playing time during his rookie season and finished the campaign with 64 tackles, one sack and an interception.
A 1998 third-round pick of the Eagles, Trotter was in his second stint with the team. He played his first five seasons with the club, then left after the 2001 campaign following a bitter contract dispute.
Trotter rejoined the Eagles for the 2004 season. He started the season on special teams, the became the starter midway through the campaign en route to helping the franchise reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1980.
