Vic Fangio hints at Cooper DeJean playing safety and outside CB to ensure the most snaps
Vic Fangio hints at Cooper DeJean playing safety and outside CB to ensure the most snaps Eagles DC Vic Fangio says Cooper DeJean will stay at slot in nickel, but he'll be on the field in base at either outside CB or safety to ensure key snaps
Cooper DeJean was a primary reason the Eagles only lost one game after the Week 5 bye, and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist is already one of the most versatile defenders in the NFL. After Philadelphia saw Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA) all exit, there was talk of DeJean moving to the outside cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
Back in April, before the NFL draft, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told John Clark of NBC Sports that DeJean would remain in the slot.
'I really like him as the nickel. I'd like to see him stay at nickel. He plays it very well. He's got good size in there. I think he enjoys playing in that position.'
The news means Kelee Ringo, Adoree' Jackson, and Eli Ricks will be among the early contenders to win a competition.
On Tuesday, during the start of Week 2 of the Eagles' OTAs, DeJean lined up at multiple positions after Fangio confirmed he'd play outside cornerback and safety to ensure he was on the field for the most snaps.
We can confirm that DeJean took snaps at all three cornerback spots, as well as snaps at safety on Tuesday.
DeJean logged 51 tackles (38 solo) as a rookie, including 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries across 16 regular-season games in 2024. DeJean's biggest and best moment came in Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs, when he picked off Patrick Mahomes for a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown on his birthday.
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