The Philadelphia Eagles report to the Jefferson Health Training Complex for the start of 2026 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 28th. Over the next few weeks, PhiladelphiaEagles.com will get you ready by previewing the top storylines at each position. Today, a look at the cornerback room, featuring two of the league's young stars.
Did You Know?
All three of Philadelphia's projected starting cornerbacks (Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, and Riq Woolen) were named to their respective PFWA NFL All-Rookie Teams.
Returning Starters
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and enter their third year in the NFL together after being selected in the first and second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, respectively. The dynamic duo cemented their starting roles instantly as rookies, with both finishing the year as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists. In 2025, both corners were recognized as first-team All-Pros.
In 2025, Mitchell not only led the team in passes defended (17), but also allowed the lowest catch rate amongst cornerbacks (41.6 percent) while conceding zero touchdowns in coverage. Mitchell snagged two interceptions against the 49ers in the Wild Card matchup. For his efforts, the former University of Toledo standout was named to his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.
DeJean also had a produced sophomore year in the NFL, getting his first Pro Bowl nod. The Iowa Hawkeye was everywhere on the field in 2025, recording 85 tackles. Seeing him fly around the Eagles defense may bring back memories of his interception in the Super Bowl LIX victory that he returned for a touchdown.
New to the Nest
The biggest addition—in both a literal and non-literal sense—to the Eagles cornerback room this offseason was Riq Woolen in free agency. Selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round out of UTSA in the 2022 NFL Draft, rhe 6-foot-4, 210-pound Woolen was a revelation his rookie year. Even with the Legion of Boom's history, Woolen's six interceptions were the most by a rookie in franchise history.
Coming off winning Super Bowl LX with the Seahawks' defense in 2025, Woolen brings four years of experience to the defensive backfield for the Eagles. Woolen is competing to win the other starting corner spot across from Micthell and DeJean after a strong minicamp.
The Eagles also acquired veteran Jonathan Jones in free agency. After spending his first nine years in the league with the New England Patriots, Jones spent 2025 with the Commanders, starting in seven out of 14 games played. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound corner has won two Super Bowls (LIII, LI), having only played under 40% of his teams' defensive snaps twice in his 10-year career.
United Football League standout Shaun Wade signed with the Eagles after June minicamp. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens out of Ohio State in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the cornerback was traded to the New England Patriots later that offseason. The former Buckeye spent three seasons with the Patriots, playing in 20 games and recording 26 tackles.
Wade had 24 total tackles, three interceptions, 9 pass breakups, and one forced fumble through 8 games for the Dallas Renegades during the 2026 United Football League season.
Finally, the Eagles signed rookie Kapena Gushiken as an UDFA out of the University of Mississippi. The Hawaiian native stands at 5-foot-9, 189 pounds and was part of the Mississippi defense that won two CFP games in 2025. Before transferring to the SEC, Gushiken played at Washington State and Saddleback College.
In the Mix
Kelee Ringo played the fourth-most defensive snaps (28 percent) at cornerback for the Eagles in 2025. Since being drafted by the Eagles in 2023, Ringo has appeared in every regular and postseason game for the Eagles through his first three seasons, making him a key role player and contributor on special teams.
The fourth-round pick out of Georgia played a career-high snap count on defense for the Eagles in 2025.
Jakorian Bennett enters his fourth year in the NFL, and second year with the Eagles, after being traded from Las Vegas before the 2025 season. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound cornerback featured in 11 games for the Eagles in 2025, missing over a month with a foot injury. Primarily featuring as an outside corner, Bennett is a former fourth-round pick out of the University of Maryland.
Slot cornerback Michael Carter II was acquired midseason in a trade with the Jets. A versatile playmaker, Carter also has the flexibility to play safety in Vic Fangio's defense.
After landing in Philadelphia, Carter played in all but one game for the rest of the 2025 season. The University of North Carolina product started five games in 2025 across the Jets and Eagles.
There is also second-year corner Mac McWilliams, a 2025 fifth round pick out of Central Florida. The 24-year-old will look to improve upon his rookie year where he saw action in five games for the Eagles, playing 28 defensive snaps.
Former sixth-round pick by the 49ers in 2022, Tariq Castro-Fields spent the 2025 season on the Eagles' practice squad after joining the unit in 2024. Entering another year in Philadelphia, the former All-Big Ten selection at Penn State will look to compete for a roster spot.
Another member of the 2025 practice squad, the 6-foot Ambry Thomas will also be attempting to make the Eagles' roster. Drafted in the third round by the 49ers in 2021, Thomas spent the first three years of his career in the Bay Area, totaling 65 tackles, two interceptions, 12 passes defended through 42 games.
Bird Call
Defensive Backs Coach and Defensive Pass-Game Coordinator Joe Casper on Cooper DeJean: "He's special in a lot of ways. His mental approach is outstanding. The physical tools are outstanding, how he interacts with teammates is outstanding, how he interacts with me and the other coaches is outstanding. You know, there's not really a false note to him. It's on me, and then on him too, to continue to grow and build that. The sky's the limit for him."
Storylines to Follow
Will Riq Woolen secure a starting outside corner slot opposite Mitchell in Training Camp, or will someone else step up? ... How will Jonathan Jones' expereience help in one of the NFL's youngest cornerback rooms? ... How will Cooper and Mitchell continue to develop in Vic Fangio's ever-evolving defense? ... Six corners made the Eagles' initial 53-man roster in 2025 – who will secure the potential roster spots outside of Mitchell, DeJean, and Woolen?
How Many Made the Initial 53 in 2025: 6
- Written by Caroline Connor
