Philadelphia Eagles testing expanded role for Cooper DeJean in 2025 following Darius Slay's departure

Philadelphia Eagles second-year cornerback Cooper DeJean could be in for an expanded role in 2025. 

DeJean, who spent the majority of the 2024 season at nickel, was spotted taking snaps at outside cornerback during OTAs this week. 

When asked about the switch, DeJean didn't confirm the Eagles' plan to move him outside, but he also didn't shut it down. 

“I’ll play wherever, to be honest,” DeJean said. “Wherever they put me on the football field, I’ll play there. As long as I’m out there, I’ll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it’s corner, nickel or safety.”

DeJean playing outside would not be entirely new for the Iowa product since he has plenty of college experience playing at the position, and he also took several practice reps outside throughout training camp last summer.

Even before the Eagles decided on a plan for DeJean last fall, defensive backs coach Christian Parker said the then-rookie could play anywhere after looking solid at every position he took practice reps at. 

“They’re a little different,” DeJean said on Wednesday. “I did it a little bit in college, played both. But they’re different. On the inside, you have to prepare more to fit the run and be able to cover and do all those things. At corner, it’s more worrying about covering the top guy, top receiver, with a lot of space.

“I did a little bit in college. I’ve been doing it a little bit early on here in OTAs. I think just wherever they need me to be, that’s what I’ll do. Right now, I’ve been trying outside and inside. But it’s definitely a tall task, no doubt.”

Cooper DeJean made a strong impression in his rookie year, holding it down at nickel and racking up 51 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. His performance was impressive enough to earn him a spot as a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Now, with Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers no longer in the picture, the Eagles have a hole to fill at outside corner, and DeJean is firmly in the mix to take over that role, though he might be flipping back based on Philly's different packages, and that won't be an easy task. 

“Outside it’s a little different mentality than playing inside, understanding leverage and things like that. So it’s going to be a challenge. But I’m still learning, it’s early on. We’ll see what happens.”

As DeJean noted, it's still very early, so we will get a better feel for the Eagles' plan at outside corner during summer training camp.