It’s late August, and South Philly feels like a tailgate that never ends. The grill smoke curls over Pattison Ave like a play-action fake. And somewhere between the scrapple sizzle and the Eagles chant echoing off the Linc walls, Howie Roseman drops a line that makes everyone hit pause.
The Eagles' architect is at it again just days before the season opener. He’s weaving a tale of historic talent and secretive plans, leaving a breadcrumb trail of intrigue for fans to dissect.
Roseman made a stunning declaration. Talking about rookie sensation Cooper DeJean, the GM didn’t hold back. "I think he may be one of the top three punt returners in the history of college football," Roseman told 94WIP Morning Show listeners. That’s a massive claim, placing DeJean in an elite stratosphere before his second pro season even begins.
This kind of power statement sends shockwaves through the league. ***"Yeah, I know. Power statement,"***Roseman admitted. However, he immediately followed with a classic smokescreen.
He praised DeJean’s game-changing ability but then pivoted. But he confirmed other players are in the mix who can perform at a high level.
"You saw what he could do last year in that role. I mean, what a difference he can make in that. But by the same token, we have other guys too who can do that, and we think can do it at a high level," said the Eagles GM. And his final word on the matter was pure gamesmanship.
"We'll just keep everyone guessing here," Roseman said. ***"We don't want to give any advantage to the team that's coming into play next week."***This creates a fascinating dilemma for the coaching staff.
DeJean’s value on defense is skyrocketing. He is a cornerstone of the secondary, a Super Bowl hero after his pick-six off Patrick Mahomes. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has historically been nervous about his key nickelback taking extra hits on special teams.
The risk of injury to a defensive star is a terrifying prospect for a title contender. Fangio still listed DeJean as the punt returner on the depth chart. But the team’s recent actions speak volumes.
They swiftly brought back proven return man Britain Covey to the practice squad. This move provides a safe, experienced alternative. It allows DeJean to focus on locking down receivers. But Roseman’s colossal praise suggests the allure of DeJean’s electric returns is incredibly tempting.
It isn’t just about Week 1. It’s about maximizing every weapon in the arsenal for a deep playoff run.
The Bigger Picture in the Secondary
Roseman’s vagueness on special teams mirrors his view of the entire cornerback room. While outsiders see uncertainty opposite Quinyon Mitchell, Roseman sees immense depth and competition. He has repeatedly reframed the narrative.
Roseman swears the room is “a position of strength,” even after 2,910 defensive snaps walked out the door this offseason. He points to young talents like Kelee Ringo and newcomer Jakorian Bennett as assets, not question marks.
The GM’s confidence is rooted in his top two guys. He believes Mitchell is ready to make "another jump" into true stardom. He equally champions DeJean as ***"one of the best young corners in the league."***This young duo forms a foundation Roseman is betting on heavily.
The Cowboys loom. Roseman's entire offseason strategy has been building for now and the future, even when moves like losing C. J. Gardner-Johnson were tough business. Ultimately, Roseman is playing multidimensional chess.
Adoree’ Jackson looks like the opening-day CB2 opposite Mitchell. But Ringo and Bennett linger like last-call options. Howie's historic praise for DeJean is genuine, but his vague answer on the final job is strategic.
The Eagles GM is protecting his players, confounding opponents, and keeping all options open.
Read more:Hacks star Hannah Einbinder blasts Cowboys' delusion in chat with Kylie Kelce
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, information is a weapon. And Roseman is a master armorer. He operates by a simple, effective philosophy: "Keep your friends close, and your enemies guessing."