Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean is being asked a lot of him in 2026, but that's mainly because the franchise has a big roster problem.
The departure of Reed Blankenship has left the Eagles exposed at safety with no clear starter alongside second-year defender Andrew Mukuba. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio announced during the offseason that DeJean will play in the slot and at safety in "base" defense. Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox named the safety position as the Eagles' biggest weakness entering training camp and preseason.
"If there's an area of concern on Philly's depth chart, it's probably at safety. Former starter Reed Blankenship departed in free agency, while 2025 second-round pick Andrew Mukuba is working his way back from a fractured ankle and Fibula.
According to Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Eagles are planning on moving Cooper DeJean from nickel to safety in base packages while working in Marcus Epps at safety in subpackages. That could create potential issues when DeJean rotates back to nickel.
Epps has starting experience, but his performance last season (118.7 opposing passer rating) left plenty to be desired. The depth behind him and Mukuba—headlined by converted corner Michael Carter II and rookie seventh-rounder Cole Wisniewski—is questionable."
Eagles have some decisions to make at safety
Epps still feels like the leading candidate to take Blankenship's spot in the starting lineup. Yes, he was not the greatest in coverage last season, but he replaced Mukuba well enough to help the Eagles make the playoffs.
DeJean will somewhat help the safety position and take some of the pressure off the other safeties. The question is how much Fangio will call base defense throughout the season. Ultimately, DeJean is at his best when he is playing in the slot and able to help out in run support.
Carter and Wisniewski are definitely names to watch during training camp. The likelihood of them winning the job is not as strong as Epps', but Wisniewski has been compared to Blankenship, so there's a chance it could happen.
Philly's defense is so good that the safety position might not end up being as much of a headache as some feel. Up front, this is a great front seven, and the cornerback trio of DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, and Riq Woolen might be the best in the NFL.
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The hope is that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman doesn't have to look around for another safety, and they can roll with who they currently have. More money and draft picks being spent on a safety would not be good for the future of the franchise.
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