Philadelphia Eagles sign rookie Cooper DeJean, contract details revealed
The Philadelphia Eagles announced the signing of rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean on Monday ahead of OTAs. The second-rounder inked a four-year deal, worth approximately $9.28 million. The contract includes a signing bonus worth an estimated $3.5 million. DeJean became the second-to-last rookie to sign with the Eagles. They’re still waiting on first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell.
As a second-round draft pick, DeJean’s rookie deal won’t come with a fifth-year option for the Eagles. That means unless they extend or re-sign him, he’ll become a free agent after the 2027 season.
The Eagles selected DeJean with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up to grab him. They traded the No. 50, 53 and 161 picks to the Washington Commanders in exchange for picks No. 40 and 78.
DeJean’s medical history was a big talking point ahead of the draft following the gruesome injury he suffered last season. But his versatility on the defensive side of the ball and ability on special teams could make him an immediate impact player in the league. He returned to full form before the draft and is now slated to begin working with the team at cornerback.
“I really talked all three positions with them, how I worked mostly the nickel and corner position at rookie minicamp,” DeJean told the Up and Adams Show Thursday. “But there’s been talks about safety during the pre-draft (process), and returning as well.
“Wherever they put me, I’ll be excited. I’m excited for the opportunity to start at the corner position … that’s where I’m starting out, the nickel and corner position, yeah.”
Eagles give boost to DB room with DeJean addition
DeJean was the epitome of an impact player for the Hawkeyes after deciding to stay in his home state for his college career. Earning the team’s special teams player of the year award as a freshman after playing in in seven games and making one start at strong safety before his breakout season in 2022.
In 2022 DeJean earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors after racking up 75 tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. Returning three of those interceptions to the house for touchdowns along with returning 10 punts for 165 yards.
Last season, he suffered a season-ending injury after fracturing his fibula during a practice ahead of Week 13, but still managed to achieve unanimous consensus All-American honors and a First-Team All-Big Ten again this time as a returner and a defender. Recording 41 tackles, five pass breakups, and intercepting two passes in his 10 game appearances along with 21 punt returns for 241 yards and one touchdown.