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Cooper DeJean isn’t who you think he is anymore—and his move will push Jalen Carter to a breaking point in the Eagles’ defense!

Posted on June 4, 2025 - 9:04 am by

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense is undergoing a transformation, and two players are at the heart of it: Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean. As the team progresses through spring practices, it’s becoming clear that their roles will define the unit’s success in the upcoming season. But the evolving role of DeJean, in particular, could push Carter to new heights—and potentially to his limits.

Jalen Carter: A Force Still Learning His Craft

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter has already cemented himself as a dominant presence in the NFL. Entering his third season, the 24-year-old is a nightmare for offensive lines, frequently commanding double teams. Yet, according to Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter on SportsRadio 94 WIP, Carter still hasn’t fully mastered the nuances of his position. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio echoed this sentiment on June 3, noting, “The good news about Jalen is two-fold. One, he played very well for us last year, and two, he can still improve a lot.”

Carter’s workload last season was staggering for a defensive tackle. He played at least 90% of the snaps in eight of his 19 games, a remarkable feat for a player often facing double teams. When asked about the physical toll, Carter, who turned 24 in April, remained unfazed: “I’m having fun out there. If I could play every down, I’d love it. But if I have to get out because I need a break or something, I know the next guy will step up for me.” Fangio, calling Carter a “young pup,” seems confident that his star lineman can handle the demands, but the question remains: can Carter sustain this intensity as the Eagles lean on him even more?

Cooper DeJean: The Versatile Weapon

The other critical piece of the Eagles’ defensive puzzle is Cooper DeJean, whose role is far less defined—and that’s by design. During the second week of spring practices, Fangio dropped a surprising hint about DeJean’s future. When asked about DeJean working at outside cornerback, Fangio said, “I would like to keep him at nickel. And then, in our base package, we’ll find a spot for him, either at corner or safety.” The mention of safety caught attention, though DeJean wasn’t seen at the position during the June

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