Vic Fangio spent most of the past two seasons matching modern NFL offenses with nickel personnel. The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator acknowledged Wednesday that the formula could change in 2026. Fangio said the Eagles may play more base defense because their schedule could expose them to more heavy offensive packages. That adjustment would allow Philadelphia to place five defenders along the line of scrimmage while moving All-Pro defensive back Cooper DeJean to safety.
The potential front is difficult to ignore. Philadelphia could align Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo across the interior, with two edge defenders completing the five-person structure. Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith would provide Fangio with multiple
combinations once the group is healthy.
Vic Fangio acknowledged the Eagles could play more base this season considering more heavy packages they might see.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) August 5, 2026
My view: That gets their best 11 on the field. Would make sense with DeJean playing safety and 5-man front (including Ojomo) on the field.
That alignment would place three of Philadelphia’s best defensive linemen on the field simultaneously. Ojomo led the Eagles’ defensive line with 740 snaps last season and has developed into a disruptive interior defender who can play alongside Carter and Davis rather than merely rotating behind them.
DeJean’s versatility solves the corresponding issue in the secondary. He is Philadelphia’s primary slot defender in nickel packages, but base personnel removes the traditional nickel position. Instead of taking DeJean off the field or forcing him outside, the Eagles can move him to safety next to Andrew Mukuba. At the same time, Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen handle the outside cornerback assignments.
The result could resemble Philadelphia’s best 11 against run-oriented personnel: three defensive tackles, two edge defenders, Zack Baun and another linebacker, two outside cornerbacks and two safeties, including DeJean.
When opponents shift into three-receiver formations, Fangio can remove one defensive lineman, slide DeJean into the slot and insert another safety without changing the rest of the structure. The Eagles faced an unusually high percentage of three-receiver personnel last season, limiting their base opportunities. Their 2026 schedule includes several offenses that regularly use two tight ends, three tight ends or a fullback, which could require a heavier response.
Playing more base would not represent an outdated commitment to size. It would be a way for Fangio to match up against opposing personnel while keeping Carter, Davis, Ojomo, and DeJean on the field together. Philadelphia’s greatest defensive advantage may be its ability to change shapes without removing its most talented players. A five-person front with DeJean at safety could become the clearest example.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How Cooper DeJean at safety helps Eagles deploy their best 11 defenders
