Cooper DeJean: Everything you need to know

The Eagles stated Friday that Dejean will be moving to safety in a base defense, Brandon Lee Gowton of bleedinggreennation.com reports. Dejean played many of his 2025 snaps as the slot cornerback in the Eagles' scheme, but it appears the team intends to test Marcus Epps with a competition for the starting strong safety job. With Michael Carter joining the team after a 2025 midseason trade, it seems defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is attempting to maximize his defensive backs. Both Dejean and Carter have received All-Pro votes at slot cornerback, with Dejean winning first team honors in 2025. If Dejean can translate that talent to safety, the Eagles could field elite value at both positions as they attempt to defend the NFC East title.

DeJean finished his second NFL season with 93 tackles (64 solo), two interceptions and one forced fumble. DeJean followed up a strong rookie season with an even better sophomore campaign, finishing second on the Eagles in tackles and making the Pro Bowl for the first time. After a fractured fibula caused him to fall to the second round of the 2024 draft, he's now had two fully healthy seasons to start his pro career, missing only Week 18 while the Eagles rested their starters.

DeJean finished with five solo tackles and four pass breakups, including an interception, in Saturday's 29-18 win over the Commanders. The cornerback's third-quarter interception maintained Philadelphia's four-point lead before the team pulled away in the fourth. On the year, DeJean now has 84 tackles (59 solo), 16 pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble. The second-year pro has also played on at least 87 percent of the defensive snaps in every one of Philadelphia's games this season.