Tue Sep 4 01:01:21 2007

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Trotter joining Bucs

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Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has come to terms on a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Trotter, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles nearly two weeks ago, agreed to a contract for one year worth more than the league minimum for veteran players, agent Jimmy Sexton told the Tampa Tribune.

A third-round draft choice of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter spent his first four seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, earning consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2001, 2002) after leading the Eagles' defense in tackles both seasons.

The Eagles then rescinded the franchise designation on Trotter on April 5, 2002 when they apparently became convinced he had no intention of signing a long-term deal with the team. That made him an unrestricted free agent and able to sign elsewhere.

Trotter went on to play two seasons in Washington before being released by the Redskins following the 2003 season. He then returned to Philadelphia and followed with consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns in 2004 and 2005.

The 30-year-old has played in 131 regular-season games, including 88 starts as an Eagle. He averaged over 147 tackles per year since becoming a full-time starter in 1999, including a career-high 202 stops in 1999. In 88 regular- season starts with Philadelphia, Trotter totaled 940 tackles (10.7 per game).