In his first year in the NFL, Cooper DeJean managed to do something that not many rookies do when he helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX. Not only was he a part of the team, but he played a meaningful role in his team’s run to the big game, while also recording a crucial pick-six in the clash against the Kansas City Chiefs to help his team prevail.
It was a whirlwind of a season for DeJean, and nobody could blame him if he got caught up in everything that happened to him. That hasn’t happened yet, though, and as he prepares to enter his second season in the NFL, it sounds like DeJean isn’t content with what he’s managed to accomplish, as he made it clear he’s looking to improve with the Eagles in 2025.
Cooper DeJean Still Looking to Improve with Eagles in 2025
The Eagles selected DeJean with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he immediately carved out a role in the cornerback room alongside fellow rookie Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Slay. With this trio in place, opposing offenses had a very difficult time throwing the ball against Philadelphia’s airtight secondary.
DeJean played in 16 games for the Eagles as a rookie, starting nine of them. He racked up 51 tackles, six passes batted, 0.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He saved his best work for the postseason, though, as he had 18 tackles, four passes batted, and the infamous pick-six in the Super Bowl against the Chiefs that turned him into an overnight superstar.
With Slay leaving for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, DeJean is going to have to take on an even bigger role for Philadelphia in 2025. The good news is that that sounds like something he’s more than ready to take on, as DeJean made it clear he isn’t letting his success as a rookie get to his head, and that he’s ready to continue looking for ways to improve in his sophomore season.
“I’m still continuing to work, and to try and be the best I can be at my job,” DeJean said, per Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “There are a lot of things I can get better at coming off of last season, that I can be ready for this season. And those are the things that I’ve been working on this offseason. Becoming stronger, faster, being more comfortable out on the field, and working my techniques. I don’t think it’s changed me as a person at all.”
Cooper DeJean Set for Bigger Role with Eagles
Now that Slay is gone, DeJean is going to be asked to play more for the Eagles in 2025. With Mitchell on one side and Kelee Ringo filling in as the third option, it’s not a stretch to say that DeJean’s performance will ultimately determine how Philadelphia’s cornerback is judged next season. Based on what we saw from him as a rookie, DeJean is ready to answer the call.
Repeating as champions is never easy, and the Eagles will certainly have their work cut out for them moving forward. Getting bigger contributions from guys like DeJean could make a world of a difference, and you can Philadelphia and their fan base will be thrilled to hear these comments from their star second-year cornerback ahead of the new season.
