The Philadelphia Eagles will wrap up the 2025 preseason slate on Friday night, as they will take on the New York Jets.
For several fringe veterans and undrafted free agents, this is their final chance to show Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and the rest of the coaching staff that they belong on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
Eagles fans will be watching to see who will take charge in the CB2 and QB3 position battles tonight, John Metchie III’s debut, and if undrafted rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper can lock in his spot on the 53-man roster.
The former Tarleton State has been one of the preseason standouts not only for the Eagles, but in the NFL. Some Eagles fans believe that the rookie wide receiver has a good chance to make the 53-man roster, especially with second-year wideout Johnny Wilson sidelined by foot and ankle injuries.
That said, it's not guaranteed for Cooper, as Ainias Smith has also made plays throughout the preseason, too. However, between the two wideouts, Philadelphia might not have a chance to bring back Cooper if they were to expose him to waivers.
Eagles Can’t Afford to Lose Preseason Star Darius Cooper
Cooper, who was signed quickly after the 2025 NFL draft as an undrafted free agent, made his presence felt immediately in the Eagles’ preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The young wideout led the team in receiving, posting six receptions (seven targets) for 82 yards and a touchdown. Cooper became an instant go-to option for Tanner McKee, as he made plays with the ball in his hands.
Darius Cooper (UDFA), Preseason, Week 2
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 8, 2025
-7 targets, 6 receptions, 82 yards, and 1 TD
-6’0”
-190 lbs
-40 yard dash: 4.49
-Vertical: 38”
-Bench Press: 18 reps
-Broad Jump: 10’6 pic.twitter.com/7Nj7QqhoyQ
After an outstanding preseason debut, Eagles fans were excited to see what Cooper could do against the Cleveland Browns last week. However, the Eagles’ QB play without McKee wasn’t great, leading to Cooper and the offense as a whole being stuck in neutral.
That said, the 6-foot, 190-pound receiver has reportedly continued to make plays in practice with the first-team offense when given the opportunity, which shows how much the Eagles believe in his skills.
With all that being said, if the Eagles have to cut another position group to keep Cooper, it's in their best interest. A player with his speed (4.49 40-yard dash at his pro day) and ability to get open is the perfect developmental WR for many squads.
The Eagles likely understand this, and if he has another big game against the Jets, his stock will only rise around the league. With less than a week to go until cutdown day, all eyes will be on the Eagles and what they do with Cooper and Smith.