Eagles sign 2024 second-round pick Cooper DeJean to rookie deal

Smith inked a four-year deal worth $9.2 million, per Spotrac.

That leaves first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell as the only rookie left to sign his contract. 

Eagles Thought the Rams were Drafting DeJean

A behind-the-scenes clip of Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the 2024 NFL Draft showed just how badly the team wanted the Iowa star.

The Eagles were all-in on DeJean at the start of Day 2 of the draft and had planned to trade up to get him. But then the Los Angeles Rams traded up with the Carolina Panthers and Roseman thought his plans were crushed.

"Ah, that's it," Roseman said, believing the Rams would pick DeJean at No. 39.

Instead, the Rams picked defensive tackle, Braden Fiske.

Rosman didn't hold back his excitement. 'Yes!," he said as he got on the phone with the Washington Commanders to trade up for DeJean at 40th overall. 

The Eagles traded away the No. 50, 53, and 161 picks to the Commanders in exchange for No. 40, 78 and 152.

DeJean was widely projected as a first-round pick going into the draft, so he was considered a steal on Day 2. 

"Cooper, it's Howie Roseman brother," Roseman said on his draft call with the Iowa standout, "You're a f------ Eagle. Let's go! You sat way too long." 

DeJean Adds Versatility to Secondary Room 

After not testing at the NFL Combine due to a fractured fibula, DeJean posted an impressive 4.42 40-yard dash, 10-yard split of 1.55 seconds, and a 38.5-inch vertical jump during his private workout at Iowa.

DeJean's versatility is what makes him such an intriguing player since he has experience playing everywhere from outside cornerback to slot corner and safety during his time with the Hawkeyes.

He never saw in-game action at safety, though he took some practice reps at the position. Per PFF, DeJean played the majority of his snaps at outside corner with 1,188 and 163 snaps in the slot during his final two years at Iowa. 

In those two seasons, DeJean racked up 120 total tackles, 20 passed defended and seven interceptions, including three returned for a touchdown. He was also a standout punt returner for the Hawkeyes, returning 31 punts for 406 yards and one touchdown.

The Eagles have not confirmed where they will play him just yet, but they had him line up everywhere during rookie minicamp.