Cooper DeJean has wasted no time making himself impossible to ignore in Philadelphia. Since arriving in midnight green, the Eagles’ do-it-all defensive back has delivered impact plays all over the field, giving Vic Fangio a chess piece who can shift wherever the defense needs him. That kind of range, paired with steady production, is why DeJean lands sixth on the list of the Eagles’ most important players for 2026.
The Eagles clearly valued that versatility from the start. Back in the 2024 draft, Howie Roseman was thrilled to see DeJean still on the board in the second round, then moved up in a trade with the Washington Commanders to grab the Iowa product with the 40th overall pick. Once he got to Philadelphia, the team didn’t just use his flexibility - it kept expanding it.
DeJean’s rookie year showed exactly why the Eagles were so eager to get him. He made noise on the boundary and in the slot, while also stepping in as a punt returner with 21 returns for 211 yards.
He also showed a nose for the football, finishing with three fumble recoveries and another forced fumble. Then came the moment that made the season unforgettable: Super Bowl LIX, where DeJean’s pick-six of Patrick Mahomes helped seal the Eagles’ title.
Last season, Fangio narrowed the focus and parked him in the slot, where DeJean handled opposing receivers with ease. The result was first-team All-Pro recognition, along with a reputation as the NFL’s top slot corner. He posted a league-best coverage grade of 79.3% among slot defenders and did not allow a touchdown.
Now the job description is getting bigger again. In 2026, Fangio plans to use DeJean at safety in base defense and slide him back into the slot in sub packages. For a defense loaded with talent, that kind of adaptability is gold, and DeJean sounds perfectly fine with whatever assignment comes his way.
“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.”
At just his third NFL season, DeJean’s highlight reel is already getting crowded. The hard shot on Derrick Henry.
The Mahomes pick-six. The ability to punish the run and lock down receivers.
That mix is exactly why he’s become one of the Eagles’ most valuable players heading into 2026.
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