Cooper DeJean could see more time at safety for Eagles in 2025

Cooper DeJean stood out as a rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles and now he may be asked to be more versatile in Year 2. The former Iowa corner was part of a rookie class that included teammate Quinyon Mitchell, giving the Eagles some of the best secondary play in the league.

But, DeJean might be playing more safety this coming season, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio described. Mostly operating in the nickel, DeJean was a problem for opposing offenses in 2024.

That’s where Fangio wants to keep him this fall, but safety could be an option as well. Currently, Reed Blankenship is the starting free safety while Sydney Brown is expected to step up at strong safety. Mitchell and Kelee Ringo are the projected starters at corner while DeJean mans the nickelback position.

“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. 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. But he’s capable of playing corner and he’s capable of playing safety.”

DeJean finished his rookie season with 51 total tackles, six pass deflections, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He grabbed his first interception in Super Bowl LIX, which he returned for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 40-22 win.

Still, it’s a work in progress for DeJean to move over to safety. Not that he’d do it full time, but it gives the Eagles another option for their hybrid defender. He can return kicks as well, having returned 21 punts last season for 211 total yards.

“I think he would play very well at safety,” Fangio said. “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.”

DeJean and the Eagles will open the 2025 season at home against the Dallas Cowboys, raising their second Super Bowl banner. As it stands now, the Eagles have the second best odds (+750) to win Super Bowl LX, per FanDuel. They are tied with the Buffalo Bills and Chiefs. The Baltimore Ravens are the favorites at +700.