Eagles' training camp: Cooper DeJean is getting first-team reps at the safety position
The Eagles hinted at using Cooper DeJean all over the field back in the spring. They're making good on their word as training camp kicks off at the NovaCare Complex.
DeJean was seen doing individual drills with the safeties ahead of the Eagles' first practice, but the work didn't stop there. DeJean was also the starting safety in base defense in two different periods throughout practice.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated during the spring that DeJean could see snaps outside and at safety to maximize his talent. If he can handle the workload along with his duties at nickel, there's a good chance DeJean will be on the field for every defensive snap in 2025.
'I'll play wherever, to be honest,' DeJean said in May. '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 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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