The Philadelphia Eagles made their first important move of the offseason on Monday.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Eagles made veteran star cornerback Darius Slay a designated post-June 1 cut to save $4.3 million against the team's salary cap.
Slay's absence now leaves a major question mark at outside cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchel.
However, the move could mean a change is on the way for rising second-year NFL defensive back Cooper DeJean, who started in the slot of Philly during his rookie year.
That would not be anything entirely new for the Iowa product since he has college experience playing outside corner and took several practice reps outside through training camp last summer.
Even before the Eagles decided on a plan for DeJean, defensive backs coach Christian Parker said the then-rookie could play anywhere after looking solid at every position he took practice reps at.
"I think Coop is very versatile," Parker said. "I think he plays with good vision to the ball. I think that he has good ball skills. I think we’re kind of in that process now we've moved him around a little bit. He can handle it mentally and I think as we move on through this phase right now and going into training camp then he'll have a home but he's been he's playing corner, he's playing nickel, you know, he's handling those things well and we'll continue to put more on his plate and see how he can handle it.”
DeJean did so well playing nickel as a rookie finishing with 51 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Those numbers were good enough to make him a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist.
The Eagles could also turn to re-signing Isaiah Rodgers, who stepped in for Slay throughout the year. That's, of course, if Rodgers wants to return to Philly or test the open market come March. Either way, the Eagles will be just fine at the cornerback position.
