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Cooper DeJean
CB · PHI

Cooper DeJean

Position CB
Team PHI
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Cooper DeJean

NFL player. Position: CB (cornerback/nickel). Team: PHI.

Quick Facts

  • Position: CB (slot cornerback/nickelback)
  • Team: PHI (Philadelphia Eagles)
  • Status: All-Pro in 2025; versatility expanding to include safety snaps in 2026

2026 Outlook

Cooper DeJean is one of the NFL's most versatile defenders, performing at an elite level across multiple positions within Vic Fangio's complex defensive scheme. He ranks in the top three at tackles among defensive backs and excels in zone coverage where he reads offensive concepts and takes away passing lanes. His screen awareness prevents receivers from gaining yards after the catch. After establishing himself as an elite slot defender in 2025, DeJean will split time between nickelback and strong safety in 2026, with Fangio deploying him flexibly based on personnel packages. In base defense, DeJean lines up at safety alongside Andrew Mukuba. In nickel packages, he returns to his familiar cornerback slot role while Marcus Epps takes over strong safety. He's now part of a three-cornerback rotation with All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell and newly acquired Riq Woolen (signed to 1-year, $12M deal), one of the NFL's most talented secondary groups. As a slot cornerback, DeJean led all NFL slot CBs in 2025 in PFF coverage grade, catch rate allowed, passer rating allowed, and yards allowed per coverage snap; he has never allowed a passing TD in slot coverage. Woolen's 6-4 frame and athletic ability opposite Mitchell create a length/athleticism mismatch package; Woolen showed strong coverage on deep crossers vs. DeVonta Smith during mandatory minicamp. (per Eagles All-Pro nickelback Cooper DeJean could line up at safety, Riq Woolen already making strong impression on Eagles in spring, Riq Woolen is confident Eagles can have the NFL's best secondary, Eagles News: Philadelphia has one of the NFL's most versatile players)

This positional flexibility underscores the Eagles' confidence in DeJean's developmental trajectory and his ability to handle expanded responsibilities. Teammates noticed DeJean arriving to spring workouts in better physical condition — linebacker Zack Baun noted the improvement with humor, saying "He's swole. He's working his tail off to be better, which is crazy to think about," indicating DeJean added visible muscle and is committed to handling the increased physical demands of safety play around the box, where defenders often need to fit the run and shed larger blockers. In 2025, DeJean posted 93 tackles, 16 pass deflections, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 QB hit in 16 games, allowing a 60.5% completion rate and 75.4 passer rating. (per Eagles All-Pro nickelback Cooper DeJean could line up at safety, Zack Baun's Cooper DeJean warning shouldn't be ignored by Eagles' 2026 opponents)

The position shift may actually enhance DeJean's 2026 value: extra snaps in base defense, combined with his rare skill set (able to cover both WRs and TEs), give him more opportunities to impact plays. However, moving between cornerback and safety snaps introduces complexity in his assignments and positioning, which could lead to early-season mental errors as he adjusts to the transition (per Eagles All-Pro nickelback Cooper DeJean could line up at safety).

Role / Depth Chart

Strong Safety (base defense) / Nickelback (sub packages) — rotational snaps across both roles. Added playing time due to loss of Reed Blankenship (departed) and Nakobe Dean (departed).

Injury Status

No significant injuries reported as of late May 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will DeJean's multi-position role lead to a learning curve or leverage his versatility?
  • How many snaps will he receive in base vs. nickel packages?
  • Can he maintain elite coverage performance while handling safety responsibilities near the line of scrimmage?

Sources

What the Experts Are Saying

Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenTwo 2026 NFL Mock Drafts Back-to-Back (with Trades!)