Trotter was initially given the "franchise" tag as he became a free
agent following the 2001 season. Unhappy with the tag and unable to
work out a new contract with the Eagles, the team removed the tag and
Trotter signed with the Washington Redskins. After two disappointing
years in Washington, Trotter was released prior to the 2004 season and
came back to the Eagles as a backup to Mark Simoneau. At midseason,
Trotter was placed in the starting lineup at middle linebacker and
ended up making the Pro Bowl.