The offseason can be a tough time for fans when their team seems to be standing still while rivals are making moves. That's the scenario facing the Indianapolis Colts, who watched as the Houston Texans bolstered their roster, including the addition of Reed Blankenship.
Blankenship's arrival in Houston might not have made headlines, especially after a lackluster 2025 season. However, under the guidance of DeMeco Ryans, he could thrive and become a key player, fitting perfectly into a defense like Lou Anarumo's, which is something the Colts could have used.
The Colts saw both Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas leave in free agency. While they brought in Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas, neither may offer the impact that Blankenship has shown he can deliver.
Houston locked Blankenship in with a three-year deal worth $8.25 million annually. It seems Colts GM Chris Ballard opted for a more budget-friendly approach, signing two safeties for about a quarter of that price. However, this decision could haunt them.
Despite a down year, with a Pro Football Focus grade of 46.5-his career low-Blankenship has proven his potential in the past. The Eagles' secondary struggled overall, but his 2023 performance was a standout, with 113 tackles, three interceptions, and eleven passes defensed.
His challenges adapting to Vic Fangio's schemes were evident, but now he has a fresh start in Houston, where he can focus on his strengths-delivering hard hits and playing straightforward, aggressive football.
The Colts, meanwhile, are putting their faith in Juanyeh Thomas. His limited action with the Cowboys, where he made just seven appearances, raises questions. The fact that he struggled to find playing time on a struggling defense is concerning.
Now, the Colts will face Blankenship twice a season, potentially witnessing firsthand what they might be missing.