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Eagles' young linebackers set for opportunity amid offseason shakeup
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- Eagles' young linebackers set for opportunity amid offseason shakeup
"Be ready when your number is called." It's one of football's oldest truths, and for two young Philadelphia Eagles linebackers, that moment may have finally arrived. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon have spent much of their early careers doing what young players often must—waiting, learning, and developing behind more experienced options on the depth chart.
Now, the door is open, even if it has only been cracked slightly. The departure of Nakobe Dean in free agency has created a void, but the Eagles already had their succession plan in place. It isn't without its complications, though. Jihaad Campbell is expected to step into a starting role. Still, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recently noted , he will miss a significant portion of the offseason while recovering from shoulder surgery.
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That matters because he enters year two at the professional level, and spring and summer reps are where roles begin to take shape. They're where trust is built and depth charts start to shift. With Campbell sidelined for now, those opportunities will fall to players like Trotter and Mondon. Both have been preparing for this, and with the extra opportunities to prove their mettle, they can certainly make an impression on their coaches.
Trotter is now entering his third season. He has flashed instincts and physicality in limited action, and he is also outstanding on special teams. Mondon, another special teams ace, is trying to climb the depth chart. He brings athleticism and range that fit well in today's defensive schemes. Neither has been handed anything.
That's what makes this coming opportunity so important. By the time Campbell returns, potentially before the start of the 2026 regular season, the evaluation will already be underway. Snap counts, practice reps, and preseason performances will have painted a clearer picture, and if either Trotter or Mondon takes advantage, the Eagles may find they don't just have depth at linebacker. They may have a clearer picture.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' young linebackers set for opportunity amid offseason shakeup
