Updated March 28, 2026, 8:04 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys, like each of the other 32 NFL franchises, continue to make waves during the pre-draft process, and their latest reported visit is sure to catch the attention of fans among the Philadelphia Eagles‘ contingent. Former Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter is the owner of a name that already carries plenty of weight in the City of Brotherly Love, and he has drawn interest from one of the Birds’ most bitter rivals.
And yes, that last name should sound very familiar.
Trotter is the younger brother of Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and the son of former Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowler who became a fan favorite in Philadelphia. That family connection alone makes this storyline intriguing, but Josiah is working to carve out his own path. And, he’s doing a solid job of doing so.
Jeremiah Trotter’s son wouldn’t really join the Cowboys, would he?
After beginning his collegiate career with the West Virginia Mountaineers, Trotter transferred to Missouri and put together a productive season. He tallied 84 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and added two sacks, showcasing a downhill, physical style of play that mirrors the intensity his family name is known for. At 6-foot-2 and 237 pounds, he brings a sturdy frame and a willingness to attack the line of scrimmage. Scouts have taken notice of his strength and instincts as a run defender, particularly his ability to diagnose plays and meet ball carriers with force.
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There are still areas to refine, namely coverage consistency and lateral range, but his physicality and motor give him a clear pathway to contributing at the next level. That’s where things get interesting. If Dallas were to seriously consider adding Trotter, it would add another unexpected layer to one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries. Seeing a player with such strong Philadelphia ties land in Dallas would undoubtedly turn heads, and maybe even stir emotions on both sides.