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News | Bucs
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Bucs add four-time Pro Bowl LB
Free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has agreed to terms on a contract with the Bucs, his agent said.
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published September 4, 2007
TAMPA - Free agent linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, released abruptly by the Eagles last month, has agreed to terms on a contract with the Bucs, his agent said. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Trotter will, at the very least, add needed depth at middle linebacker behind Barrett Ruud. It's believed the 30-year-old Trotter will sign a one-year deal, though agent Jimmy Sexton didn't reveal the value of the contract. The move was not a total surprise. The Bucs arranged for a visit and workout with Trotter less than 24 hours after his release from Philadelphia two weeks ago. At 6 feet 1 and 262 pounds, Trotter is the classic run-stopping middle linebacker. But in the Bucs' Cover 2 defense, that's not necessarily ideal. The Bucs require their middle linebacker to play a big role in pass coverage, but that's where Trotter struggles most. "Competition breeds success," Ruud said after Trotter's initial workout. "The cream rises to the top. I've seen (Trotter) play and he's a good player."
[Last modified September 4, 2007, 00:40:46]
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by Dave
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09/05/07 07:31 AM
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I htink this is a sign we could really see more of the 3-4 this year, I can see Ruud and Trotter lining up next to each other.
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by Michael
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09/04/07 07:49 PM
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Just think about it: June, Trotter, Brooks. What a linebacker corp that will be!!!
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by George
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09/04/07 07:11 PM
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I think that signing Trotter will make the fans forget Simeon Rice! What a Lb Combo of Cato(Colts) Trotter(Eagles) & Brooks(Bucs). This combo would send chills down any Offensive line Plus Gaines & Other Def players. Tampa will rise up in 2007.
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by Gavey
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09/04/07 03:59 PM
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Trotter is a solid pick up. Whether or not he fits our schemr or not is yet to be determined but his age is a plus, only 30 years old, the experience of 4 Pro Bowl seasons, and not to mention his fieryness can only be an asset. Go Bucs!Should be fun!
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by Tony
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09/04/07 02:31 PM
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Great signing. The one position on D we lacked depth at was MLB. Too much hinged on Ruud's success/health prior to the signing. Now we have an excellent insurance policy and a great run blocker in short yardage and goal line situations.
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by Andy
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09/04/07 12:49 PM
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Does anyone know who the Bucs cut to sign Trotter?
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by Adam
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09/04/07 12:43 PM
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But Trot cant help at MIKE LB anymore. He cant go hashmark to hashmark let alone sideline to sideline. I love Trot and am sorry to see it end, but the Man has lost his speed, and, therefore, his effectiveness. Happy Trails Axeman! We'll miss you!
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by Adam
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09/04/07 12:39 PM
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Tampa fans (if there was ever an oxymoron...haha): here's what Trotter brings at this point in his career - a good locker room presence. Do you need leadership? Do you have rookies that need to be taught how to act right? Trots your man.
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by jim
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09/04/07 12:26 PM
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if they run, he is great. not so much in passing. great presence in locker room but not a great player in this def. if he is in there on 3 & 1, they will audible to a pass. he needs to drop weight for this def! should have re-signed Shelton.
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by Nick
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09/04/07 12:01 PM
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Monte's draft picks make Allen look like Warren buffet. Stick to coaching D!
The Axe slices the creamcake..."he's a good player" and Joe Montana was an Ok QB...Have Rudd lose weight and play saftie. Next year we'll have to draft a middle LB early.
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by Nick
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09/04/07 11:51 AM
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Rudd needs to put on some weight, before he gets cochroach in a regular season like he has in practice. Bucs could have had him with 7th round pick, what a waste! The Axeman should help in run stopping downs.Trotters 4xProBowl,Rudd wetnoodle 210 lb
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by Jeff
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09/04/07 10:39 AM
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Using him during rushing situations is a must. That added beef in the middle is going to go a long way.
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by tunamanz
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09/04/07 10:24 AM
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Great move Gruden.....You picked up a guy that fits perfect in your cover nobody defense! This should also help in getting people to leave you alone about the boneheaded move of keeping Simms. All I ask is that after this year you take him with you!
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by Ed
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09/04/07 09:47 AM
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This is a great move by the Bucs... Trotter might be able to line up at the Sam as well as the Mike spot, and it's hard to argue with four pro bowls. How long has the Eagles' D been good? Excellent move...
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by Dennis
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09/04/07 09:13 AM
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He is big enough to be an edge rusher, how big is Chukwurah(sp?), I don't think he is bigger than 262.
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by Lee
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09/04/07 09:04 AM
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Michael, calm down. Trotter is done. Think Todd Steussie and Charlie Garner.
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by Rick
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09/04/07 09:00 AM
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Thats like putting Ricky behind Joey in the line up!!!Wow! What a Joke!!!
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by Rick
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09/04/07 08:57 AM
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Let's get serious, Trotter behind Rudd! Thats not going to last long. $ time Pro bowler, behind a first year bum!!!
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by Michael
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09/04/07 06:54 AM
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As to Ruud's quote: NO Ruud, Trotter isn't GOOD, he's GREAT and better than you. Now whether he fits Monte's scheme is another thing. But man I can't wait to see him in there on 3rd and 1. YIKES! That would be a nightmare for most opponents.
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