The versatility that Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean brings to the defense has quickly helped him rise as one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.
DeJean is coming off a season in which he made his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro while playing in the slot for the Eagles, but he did more than help in coverage; he also provided strong run support. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks shared his top five players who play in the "star" position, which is in the nickel in pass coverage and in the box to stop the run, which is where DeJean enters the fold, as he was number one.
"The first-team All-Pro is the prototypical slot defender defensive coordinators covet in the star role. DeJean's exceptional athleticism, versatility and coverage skills make him the ideal decathlete to match up with slot receivers and tight ends in space. He can shadowbox crafty route runners but also flashes the quick hands and knockout power to neutralize big-bodied pass catchers between the hashes. Although DeJean spent most of 2025 in coverage, Vic Fangio's recent comments on the third-year pro playing strong safety in base packages could signal more responsibilities in the box as a run stopper and pass rusher on simulated pressures and five-man blitzes."
Cooper DeJean was named the best "star" player in the NFL
DeJean finished the 2025 campaign with 93 tackles, 16 pass deflections, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one quarterback hit in 16 games. He allowed a completion percentage of 60.5% and a passer rating of 76.5.
Brooks was so impressed with DeJean that he actually ranked him higher than Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Derwin James, who finished second. James just signed a new contract worth up to $76.5 million.
Reality should be setting in for the Eagles and their fan base that there will come a point when DeJean needs a new contract. At least with his fellow cornerback and 2024 draft pick, Quinyon Mitchell, the Eagles can pick up his fifth-year option on his rookie deal since he was picked in the first round. DeJean is in the third year of his four-year rookie contract and will require a new deal quicker than Mitchell will.
That $76.5 million contract that James got might end up being the same amount, if not more, than the Eagles will have to pay up for DeJean and Mitchell. Many of the decisions the Eagles make moving forward will be intended to save money for DeJean and Mitchell.
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If the Eagles are wise, they get that money piled up and ready to give to DeJean, as he has more than earned it.
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