The Philadelphia Eagles are strategically re-evaluating the workload of star defender Cooper DeJean, particularly considering his role in special teams, as the intense NFL training camp progresses in Philadelphia. This internal discussion highlights the team’s commitment to optimizing player performance and managing critical responsibilities across the roster.

DeJean’s current responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing significant duties in both the slot cornerback position and developing his skills at safety, placing substantial demands on his time and focus. His versatility is a key asset, yet the coaching staff is keenly observing how best to utilize his talents without overextending him.

Historically, Cooper DeJean has maintained his punt-shagging abilities, performing enough repetitions to stay sharp. However, the sheer volume of his primary defensive assignments suggests a potential strategic shift away from routine punt return duties to alleviate his burden and allow for more specialized development.

This strategic consideration aligns directly with the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent acquisition of veteran Avery Williams in free agency. Williams was specifically brought into the organization to bolster the team’s special teams unit, with a clear focus on his capabilities as a dedicated return specialist.

Despite an injury that sidelined him during spring OTAs, Williams has demonstrated promising form during the current NFL training camp, making a strong and compelling case for assuming both punt return and kickoff return responsibilities, providing a reliable alternative for the team.

Furthermore, rookie Ainias Smith presents another compelling and viable option for the punt return duties. Smith boasts a notable collegiate career at Texas A&M and has shown significant improvement in his camp performance, looking like a different player after battling past injury concerns from the previous season.

Smith’s collegiate statistics further underscore his potential value to the special teams unit; over five seasons with the Aggies, he amassed 836 yards on 82 punt returns, including two touchdowns. His demonstrated ability to make impactful plays could be a crucial factor for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The coaching staff’s inclination to potentially reduce Cooper DeJean’s special teams involvement underscores a broader strategy to optimize his performance in his primary defensive roles. This decision aims to ensure that the talented defender can fully concentrate on mastering his demanding responsibilities as a vital part of the Eagles’ secondary.