Cooper DeJean has put together quite a season, and his most recent performance in the Eagles' division-clinching win over the Washington Commanders showed fans that Philadelphia's defense's future is exceptionally bright.
DeJean allowed two receptions for 21 yards, while recording four pass deflections, five tackles, and an interception returned for 11 yards, according to NextGenStats. DeJean has been thrust into the spotlight over the last several weeks as the Eagles have been looking for consistency across from perennial All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell.
Cooper DeJean once again is putting together a stellar season
The Eagles have used DeJean mostly in the slot this season because of injuries to Adoree' Jackson and Jakorian Bennett, along with ineffective play by Kelee Ringo. DeJean has had to work on the outside a bit more. DeJean has put together 84 tackles, two interceptions, 16 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and four tackles for loss, which may warrant some serious postseason recognition during award season.
DeJean's running mate, Mitchell, also put together an elite performance in Week 16. He continued his elite 2025 season, allowing one catch for six yards on three targets, registering two more pass breakups, bringing his total to 17, good for the top five in the league. The pairing of Mitchell and DeJean has given the Eagles an elite cornerback duo, strengthening their secondary, especially with Andrew Mukuba, though injured, joining the unit from the 2025 draft class.
The Eagles have had their ups and downs in the 2025 season; however, seeing young stars like DeJean step up over the stricter parts of the season has been highly encouraging in the past several weeks. With the Eagles now clinching the NFC East for the second consecutive year, the team may begin to look at younger players like Brandon Johnson and Mac McWilliams, both 2025 rookies with plenty of upside.
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DeJean and the Eagles are set to take on the Buffalo Bills, who are looking to make a push for the AFC East while currently sitting in the sixth seed.