Jim Trotter Profile

Many notable free agents are off the market -- but there are still plenty of capable players out there. Jim Trotter identifies seven available veteran players who can contribute in 2023.

Jim Trotter says Kansas City's offensive line was largely responsible for the Chiefs scoring 24 points over their final four possessions -- including a field goal in the game's final seconds that gave the franchise its second championship in four seasons.

What are the biggest motivating factors for Super Bowl LVII quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes? Jim Trotter dives deep into the psychology of chasing greatness and honoring trailblazing black QBs like Doug Williams.

The 49ers escaped injuries to their quarterbacks twice during the regular season but finally ran out of answers in a loss to the Eagles in the NFC title game. Jim Trotter chronicles the team's gut-wrenching postseason exit.

Seeking to build on positive gains they have made in the fight to combat racial and social injustice, the NFL and the Players Coalition have agreed to extend their partnership by an additional five years and $15 million in grants, Jim Trotter reports.

Niners LB Fred Warner admitted his squad didn't play its "best game" on Sunday. Being able to get the better of a top-notch opponent anyway certainly bodes well for San Francisco's chances against the Eagles next week, NFL.com's Jim Trotter writes. 

The opening day of Super Wild Card Weekend saw the 49ers and Jaguars advance, while the Seahawks and Chargers were sent home. Jim Trotter identifies who's up and who's down from the first day of the postseason.

As a four-time league MVP and Super Bowl champion, Aaron Rodgers' place in NFL history is etched in stone. But when it comes to the QB's future, and whether or not he will return to the Packers for a 19th season, Jim Trotter says there's far less clarity.

After months of ups and downs, are the Buccaneers hitting their stride just in time to make a playoff run? Jim Trotter says a division-clinching victory over the Panthers served as a reminder that Tampa Bay should not be overlooked.

Will the Packers make the postseason? Which teams are the most dangerous right now? Jim Trotter answers nine burning questions as the 2022 NFL playoff picture comes into focus.

The NFC South is the NFL's lone division where all four teams are still alive in the race for first place. Jim Trotter states the case for each contender and offers his prediction for who will end up with the crown.

What's been the key to the Lions' reversal of fortune in 2022? Coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff and safety DeShon Elliott provide Jim Trotter with insight into one of the NFL's most stunning turnarounds.

The 49ers came away from Sunday with a win over the Dolphins led by a dominant defense, but they lost Jimmy Garoppolo for the season. Jim Trotter examines the performance and what lies ahead for the team with rookie Brock Purdy in as the new QB1.

Which division leaders do you have the most confidence in entering the final six weeks of the 2022 NFL regular season? Jim Trotter reveals his level of trust in each of the eight squads, whether it's a lot, a little or not at all.

Thirty-five years ago, Bo Jackson took a handoff on a play from the Raiders' 9-yard line. What happened over the next 91 yards -- and beyond -- continues to live in the memories of those who witnessed it up close.

Are the Jets set to fizzle out after a promising start? Will the Vikings bounce back from their blowout loss to the Cowboys? Jim Trotter highlights three things he thinks he knows and three things he knows he knows so far in the 2022 NFL season.

After weeks of mounting turbulence and losses, the Colts' fortunes reversed on Sunday under interim coach Jeff Saturday. Jim Trotter provides an inside look at the decision to turn back to Matt Ryan and why Saturday was willing to accept the job.

A wild play helped flip the script from agony to ecstasy for the Chargers in their victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Reporting from Atlanta, Jim Trotter says there's no overstating the significance of the comeback win.

How good are the Vikings? Jim Trotter explores that question in Minneapolis, where he finds a first-place team focusing on the journey instead of the destination.

The expectation coming into the season was that the Raiders' offense would revolve around a talented passing game. Now in Week 8, running back Josh Jacobs has given Josh McDaniels' unit an unexpected identity, Jim Trotter writes.

Christian McCaffrey flashed his tantalizing skills during his 49ers debut, but Jim Trotter writes that plenty of questions remain in San Francisco following Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Following a disappointing 1-4 start to the season, the Raiders are optimistic coming out of the bye week -- and for good reason. After spending time with coaches and players at the facility this week, Jim Trotter thinks Las Vegas is about to go on a run.

After the Eagles squashed a comeback attempt from the NFC East rival Cowboys on Sunday night, head coach Nick Sirianni praised Philadelphia's resolve under pressure and emphasized the need for the team to continue to work together in order to stay on top.

Cooper Rush has led the Cowboys to four straight wins with Dak Prescott sidelined due to injury, but Jim Trotter says there's a clear answer when it comes to whether a QB controversy has developed in Dallas.

Jim Trotter reports from Baltimore, where he finds a Ravens team refusing to panic as it grapples with a disturbing early season pattern. Were there reasons for optimism despite a painful defeat on Sunday?

Have the Jaguars become the squad no one wants to play? Who is the team to beat in the AFC? Jim Trotter examines the state of the conference after a chaotic weekend of NFL action.

The injury-plagued Bucs channeled their championship DNA on Sunday to snap a seven-game skid to the Saints, Jim Trotter writes. But can Tampa continue to win while losing players?

Although Russell Wilson expressed support for trying a 64-yard game-winner on the foot of Brandon McManus, the decision by new Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett took the ball out of the Pro Bowl QB's hands in the biggest moment of his return to face the Seahawks. Jim Trotter reports from Seattle.

What the Bills showed Thursday was a team that appears ready to take that next step. Jim Trotter reflects on Buffalo's dominant win over the Los Angeles Rams to kick off the season.  

What is it like to square off against one of the best players in NFL history? Defensive players and coaches talk to Jim Trotter about the experience of taking on Tom Brady -- and what it means to know they'll have one more chance against the G.O.A.T. in 2022.

New Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell exudes a calm demeanor that belies his 37-year-old greenness. Jim Trotter profiles a rising leader with easy authenticity and strong acuity. "One of the best people I've ever met," Josh McDaniels said. "It won't shock me if he has success and has success early."

Jim Trotter checks in from Steelers camp, where he finds a defense seeking redemption. T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and coaches in new roles explain what is motivating them heading into the 2022 NFL season.

Can the Browns' defense live up to its potential after a year of incorporating new players like Greg Newsome II? Jim Trotter takes stock of a unit determined to hold itself to a high standard in 2022.

Can the Lions build on last season's encouraging finish? How big of an impact will Russell Wilson have on the Broncos? Jim Trotter reveals five teams that will improve the most in wins in 2022.

New general manager Omar Khan is the latest inclusive hire made by the Steelers. Jim Trotter examines the winning culture installed by multiple generations of the Rooney family in Pittsburgh.

We've seen plenty of mega deals handed out this offseason, but certain players remain underpaid. Jim Trotter spotlights seven veterans who deserve a significant raise RIGHT NOW, including a pair of dynamic wide receivers.

Davis Mills made the most of his opportunity at quarterback in 2021. Can he lift the Texans again this season? Jim Trotter examines Houston's bold bet on continued improvement from the former third-rounder.

Are Jameis Winston and the Saints set to advance deep into the playoffs in Dennis Allen's first year as head coach? Jim Trotter spotlights three teams that are in line to put together a run after falling short of the postseason in 2021.

Objectivity is crucial in journalism, but Jim Trotter admits he has certain biases, particularly when it comes to various fine folks around the NFL. Here is one person to root for on each of the league's 32 teams.

From voluntary minicamp to the 2022 NFL Draft, last week was a critical stretch in Houston. Jim Trotter takes us inside the Texans' rebuilding process, with special access to new head coach Lovie Smith and second-year general manager Nick Caserio.

Over the past 10 drafts, a miniscule number of players have been selected out of HBCUs -- and none have been quarterbacks. Jim Trotter examines Alabama A&M star Aqeel Glass' efforts to make a name for himself in the NFL.

Todd Bowles is the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jim Trotter explains why this job is the right opportunity for Bowles in his second stint as an NFL head coach.

No two teams have done more to close the gap in their division and conference than the Broncos and Chargers. Jim Trotter discusses their recent moves and why each could be seen as a legitimate contender.

With Super Bowl LVI on the line, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald proved he was built for the moment with a game-sealing play to help his team take care of some unfinished business. Jim Trotter discusses the impressive performance and what's ahead for the Rams star.

No one expected Eric Weddle to excel when he rejoined the Rams last month after two years away from the NFL. Yet all the safety has done is exceed expectations in the postseason. Jim Trotter explores Weddle's whirlwind return ahead of Super Bowl LVI.

Brian Flores' lawsuit reflects widespread discontent among Black coaches over hiring practices around the league, Jim Trotter reports. Former NFL offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon: "It's emasculating. It's devastating."

In advance of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, Jim Trotter tells the story of NFL trailblazer Kenny Washington and the Los Angeles community that continues to amplify his inspirational legacy.

Trailing the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald called his teammates together and spoke from a place deep in his soul. Jim Trotter recounts how his team responded.

Sean Payton has resigned as head coach of the New Orleans Saints  after 15 NFL seasons. Jim Trotter writes about how Payton transformed the franchise and reinvigorated the city during his tenure.

It's one-and-done for both No. 1 seeds, as the Bengals edged the Titans and the 49ers nipped the Packers. Reporting from Green Bay, Jim Trotter spotlights the biggest winners and losers from Saturday's Divisional Round games.

Where do the Cowboys go from here? Jim Trotter senses uncertainty around the franchise in the wake of a mistake-laden playoff loss to the 49ers.

On a night when they honored the late John Madden, the Raiders played in a manner reminiscent of a mantra from the franchise's halcyon days. Jim Trotter writes from the scene of a thrilling overtime win over the Chargers that sent Las Vegas to the playoffs.

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed the AFC North title for the first time since 2015 after a late rally lifted them over the Chiefs. Jim Trotter discusses why these aren't the same old Bengals -- thanks to a youth movement led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

The NFL playoff picture is finally crystalizing -- or is it? If there is one truism to this 2021 season, it is this: The more we know, the less we know. With that, Jim Trotter takes one more look into his murky crystal ball.

Jim Trotter chronicles the Chiefs' thrilling OT win over the Chargers, with "slippery" Travis Kelce playing a starring role. Kansas City's standout tight end scored back-to-back touchdowns Thursday night, the first of which forced overtime and the second of which ended the game.

The Los Angeles Rams went on the road to topple the first-place Cardinals on Monday night, preserving their hopes of a division title that seemed out of reach a few weeks ago, writes Jim Trotter.

Is the Washington Football Team, once a playoff afterthought, bound for the postseason? Jim Trotter examines the topsy-turvy battle, particularly when it comes to wild-card spots, in the NFC.

Jim Trotter breaks down the jumbled race in the AFC North following the Baltimore Ravens' victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night to cap off Week 12.

A week after being shut out for the first time in his career, Seattle QB Russell Wilson notched another ignominious first: three straight losses as an NFL starter. These are hard times for the Seahawks, Jim Trotter writes, with no easy answers for Pete Carroll and Co.

Doubt the Panthers if you like, but Jim Trotter no longer can. In a season that seems to get wilder each week, with the improbable becoming the norm, Trotter writes it would not be surprising if the Panthers claimed the NFC South.

Cam Newton's return to Carolina gives the Panthers a chance to set things right after their previous split with one of the most important players in franchise history, Jim Trotter writes.

Without Derrick Henry, Tennessee's defense stepped up, creating two early turnovers that led to 14 points in the Titans' 28-16 victory over the Rams. Reporting from Los Angeles, Jim Trotter explores a tale of two contenders.

Though the Saints suffered a major blow with the injury of quarterback Jameis Winston, Dennis Allen's defense flummoxed Tom Brady once again. Jim Trotter says this prideful unit is the key to New Orleans making a push for a fifth consecutive NFC South title.

Despite missing three wide receivers, the defensive coordinator, the starting left tackle and two talented cornerbacks, the Packers pulled together in Arizona and handed the Cardinals their first defeat. Jim Trotter chronicles a fascinating game with a wild finish.

Jim Trotter reports from Nashville, where he sees a team embracing its coach's approach to downplaying the hype after two impressive victories in the span of six days. Is something special brewing for the Titans?

After an extremely challenging week, the Raiders responded with a decisive victory over the Broncos on Sunday. Jim Trotter provides a look at what the win means for the franchise.

It's not often that a kicker gets multiple shots to put away an opponent. For Packers veteran Mason Crosby, that moment came against the Bengals on Sunday afternoon. Jim Trotter recaps a wild Week 5 clash in Cincinnati.

The Chargers have a long history of disintegrating in the biggest spots. But with head coach Brandon Staley and quarterback Justin Herbert, Jim Trotter says Los Angeles is resilient and resourceful, refusing to bow when moments become heavy.

The Cardinals snapped an eight-game losing streak to the divisional rival Rams on Sunday, winning the marquee matchup in impressive fashion. Jim Trotter says Kyler Murray and Co. made quite a statement, especially on one particular drive.

The Rams don't shy away from making the big move, and their blockbuster trade for Matthew Stafford is already reaping rewards. Jim Trotter details the substance behind the hype in L.A. following Sunday's 34-24 win over the Buccaneers.

Defense has long been a liability for Dallas, but could that be changing in 2021? Jim Trotter breaks down an impressive showing from the Cowboys' less-celebrated unit in Los Angeles.

In his Rams debut at sparkling SoFi Stadium, Matthew Stafford passed for 321 yards and three scores, finishing with an almost-perfect QB rating of 156.1. Jim Trotter reflects on the veteran's performance in Los Angeles' 34-14 win over Chicago. 

Jim Trotter catches up with the 49ers' DeMeco Ryans and some of the people he's made a profound impact on during his journey from star player to first-year defensive coordinator.

Jim Trotter examines the highly decorated 2011 NFL Draft class' place in history a decade after it entered the league and discusses the topic with some members of the group who are still adding to their legacy.

After missing most of the last two seasons, Derwin James is on a mission to be great and elevate the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Trotter discusses James' unique impact and how he's driving a culture of accountability. 

J.J. Watt is a man on a mission, hell-bent on proving he can still be an impact defender for his new team, the Arizona Cardinals. Or, as Watt's personal trainer put it to Jim Trotter, "He wants to go out and shock people."

Cleveland's offense carries great expectations into the 2021 NFL season, but Jim Trotter says the upgraded defense is making life hell for Baker Mayfield and Co. at Browns training camp. And this has Myles Garrett thinking big: "Go to the playoffs and make a run."

Can do-everything running back Alvin Kamara keep the Saints on track in a post-Drew Brees world? Jim Trotter checks in on an underrated offensive star's exceptional career trajectory. 

How difficult is the road ahead of Robert Saleh and the Jets? Will Russell Wilson find harmony again in Seattle? Jim Trotter eyes 32 storylines to track in the 2021 NFL season -- one for each team.

Will Justin Fields truly back up Andy Dalton? Would Derek Carr really retire before playing for another team? Is Ben Roethlisberger still the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense? Jim Trotter translates five QB-related comments that generated headlines.