Trotter Named Franchise Player

The Philadelphia Eagles will designate Jeremiah Trotter as their franchise player, a move that will keep the Pro Bowl linebacker in Philadelphia at least through next season. The Eagles will make the announcement by Thursday's deadline, effectively preventing Trotter from signing with another team as a free agent, a source told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The Eagles have also told starting strong safety Damon Moore, a restricted free agent, that they won't tender him a qualifying offer. Moore tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Philadelphia's 29-24 loss to St. Louis in the NFC championship game.

Under the franchise tag, Trotter would be forced to accept a one-year contract believed to be worth about $5.5 million - based on an average of the league's five highest paid linebackers. He would be free to negotiate with other teams, but the Eagles could match any offer.

Trotter, 25, is unlikely to be pleased. He told the Philadelphia Daily News last week: "I'm supposed to be one of their cornerstones? If I'm one of your cornerstones, and you want me as bad as you say, you should show me that."

The Eagles signed Trotter to a one-year deal last April but wouldn't give him a long-term contract because he was seeking to be paid in the range of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Trotter has said he wants a long-term deal paying about $6 million.

Trotter's agent, Jimmy Sexton, refused comment Tuesday.

Trotter led the Eagles in tackles for the third season in a row, with 164. He added 3½ sacks and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, as the Eagles made it to the NFC championship game for the first time in 20 years.

Trotter's strength is shedding blockers and swarming to the ball, but the Eagles were only 18th in run defense last season.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP