Cornerback Cooper DeJean capped off his rookie year with a Super Bowl ring and a moment he’ll never forget. The 40th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft didn’t record an interception all season — until the biggest game of his life. He picked off Patrick Mahomes and took it to the house for a pick-six, on his birthday no less.
Even with a strong first season, DeJean could be switching positions when the Eagles take the field in 2025.
Cooper DeJean Could See More Snaps at Safety in 2025
The Eagles made some offseason changes, including trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. With that move, they created a vacancy in the secondary. They addressed it partially by selecting safety Andrew Mukuba with the No. 64 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Returning players Sydney Brown and Tristin McCollum are also in the mix.
But defensive coordinator Vic Fangio may have another option in mind: DeJean.
Although the team currently lists him as a defensive back on the roster, Fangio is open to moving him around the formation based on what the defense needs.
“We’d like to keep him at nickel. And then in our base package, we’ll find a spot for him either at corner or safety,” Fangio said. “A lot of it will end up depending on how the other guys develop and where we most need him.”
Fangio made it clear that DeJean’s versatility gives the team options. His performance during training camp and preseason will help determine where he lines up this year.
“It will be determined by what’s best for him and what’s best for the team — and what’s best for the team will win out in that decision,” Fangio said. “But he’s capable of playing corner and he’s capable of playing safety.”
He added, “I think he would play very well at safety. I think it suits his skill set, things that he does well. I just think he would do very well in there. It’s going to take a training camp, a few preseason games to work that out.”
Always interesting with Vic Fangio. Noted Cooper DeJean will likely stay in the slot but will be on the field in “base” at either outside CB or safety. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/UiBMQLPoxw
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) June 3, 2025
DeJean’s Role May Expand, But Slot Corner Remains His Strength
The Eagles finished last season as the No. 2 defense in the league, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. DeJean played a major part in that success, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors and drawing buzz for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
It’s easy to see why the Eagles want him on the field as much as possible.
While Fangio may give him a look at safety, DeJean’s shutdown work at corner — especially in the slot — might be too valuable to give up. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage all season. With that kind of production, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles pulling him from his primary role too often.
Still, the idea of using DeJean in multiple roles speaks to his talent and football IQ. Whether he sticks at nickel, rotates to safety, or plays outside in certain packages, the Eagles appear ready to let him do it all.
Their goal for 2025 is simple: defend the Super Bowl title. If DeJean continues to elevate his game, he could be a cornerstone for one of the NFL’s top defenses once again.