Many Philadelphia Eagles fans were expecting to see major changes on offense and fewer on defense, but maybe everything won't be the same thing for Vic Fangio's unit in 2026.
Fangio is entering his third season as the Eagles' defensive coordinator and is looking to make a few changes while keeping some players where they are successful. One thing he has been strong about is not moving cornerback Cooper DeJean from his slot position. Until now.
While speaking to the media for the first time since the 2025 season ended, Fangio said that when the defense is in Base for the 2026 season, DeJean will actually play safety. When DeJean is in the slot, for the time being, Marcus Epps will be that second safety alongside Andrew Mukuba, but Michael Carter II will have a chance to compete with Epps for the job.
Cooper DeJean is going to get some looks at safety in 2026
This would be a massive change from DeJean, who has been in the slot his first two seasons in the NFL. It also makes all the sense in the world as DeJean is the best tackling corner on the Eagles and could make that transition well.
Through his first two seasons in the NFL, DeJean has racked up 144 tackles, 22 pass deflections, seven tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, two quarterback hits, and a half sack in 32 games. Last season, he was selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowl for the first time in his career alongside Quinyon Mitchell.
The real question now is how often Fangio wants to run his defense in Base, with DeJean in the safety position versus the slot. A lot of that might be determined by how the team plays with him there, but it does open the door to an important safety battle between Epps and Carter.
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Change is in the air in Philly, and DeJean is about to show off how versatile he is in this defense under Fangio.
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