The Philadelphia Eagles are shaking things up in their secondary for the 2025 season, and second-year cornerback Cooper DeJean could be at the heart of their bold new strategy. With veteran Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers no longer in the lineup, the Eagles face a significant gap at outside cornerback. DeJean, who made waves as a rookie primarily playing nickel in 2024, appears to be a prime candidate to step into this critical role.
During recent OTAs, DeJean was spotted taking snaps at outside corner, sparking speculation about a permanent move. While the former Iowa standout didn’t confirm a full-time switch, his versatility and willingness to adapt were clear. “I’ll play wherever, to be honest,” DeJean said. “Wherever they put me on the football field, I’ll play there. As long as I’m out there, I’ll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it’s corner, nickel, or safety.”
DeJean’s potential shift to outside corner isn’t entirely uncharted territory. He has substantial college experience at the position and took practice reps there during last summer’s training camp. Even before the Eagles solidified their plans for him in 2024, defensive backs coach Christian Parker praised DeJean’s ability to handle any role in the secondary, noting his seamless performance across multiple positions during practice.
The transition from nickel to outside corner, however, presents unique challenges. “They’re a little different,” DeJean explained. “On the inside, you have to prepare more to fit the run and be able to cover and do all those things. At corner, it’s more worrying about covering the top guy, top receiver, with a lot of space.” He acknowledged the mental shift required, emphasizing the importance of understanding leverage and adapting to the open field. “Outside it’s a little different mentality than playing inside… So it’s going to be a challenge. But I’m still learning, it’s early on.”
DeJean’s rookie season showcased his potential to thrive under pressure. In 2024, he recorded 51 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble while anchoring the nickel position, earning him a spot as a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year. His athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability make him a natural fit to fill the void left by Slay and Rodgers.
Still, DeJean’s role in 2025 may not be limited to outside corner. The Eagles could deploy him in a hybrid role, flipping between nickel and outside corner depending on their defensive packages. This flexibility aligns with DeJean’s mindset: “I’ve been trying outside and inside. But it’s definitely a tall task, no doubt.”
As OTAs continue and summer training camp approaches, the Eagles’ plans for DeJean will come into sharper focus. For now, the second-year star’s adaptability and eagerness to embrace any challenge signal a bright future in Philadelphia’s revamped secondary. Fans will be watching closely to see how DeJean rises to the occasion in what could be a breakout 2025 season.