The Philadelphia Eagles are facing some pivotal decisions this offseason, with the spotlight firmly on what to do about wide receiver AJ Brown. However, another key player, safety Reed Blankenship, is also hitting free agency, and the Eagles have some tough calls to make.
Reed Blankenship's Future with the Eagles
Blankenship has been a mainstay in the Eagles' secondary for three years, but last season he hit a rough patch. Despite racking up 83 tackles, his coverage skills left much to be desired.
With only four pass deflections and a single interception, his performance raised eyebrows. His Pro Football Focus grades tell the story: a 46.5 overall grade, a 32.7 in coverage, and a slightly better 73.9 in run defense.
These numbers placed him near the bottom among his peers.
Adding to the concern, Blankenship allowed a 111.4 passer rating, surrendering 32 catches for 379 yards and four touchdowns. While he showed some consistency in previous seasons, the Eagles might be better off looking for fresh talent. Spotrac projects Blankenship could command a two-year, $14.3 million contract, a price that might not align with the Eagles' strategy.
Exploring New Avenues
The projected deal would rank ninth among free agent safeties, but the Eagles have options. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft presents an excellent opportunity to find a replacement.
The NFL Scouting Combine, currently underway in Indianapolis, showcased a promising class of safeties. Experts like ESPN's Jordan Reid and The Athletic's Dane Brugler highlighted the depth of this group, and their impressive 4.42-second average 40-yard dash time is the fastest since 2003.
Philadelphia is well-positioned to capitalize on this draft class with their arsenal of picks: one first-rounder, one second, two thirds, and two fourths. These picks provide ample chances to secure a young, cost-effective safety.
Balancing the Roster
The Eagles also need to consider other free agents like Dallas Goedert and Jaelan Phillips. Allocating resources wisely could ensure these key players return for the 2026 season. Given Blankenship's struggles in 2025, it might be time for the Eagles to turn the page and invest in new talent through the draft.
In the end, while Blankenship has been a solid contributor, the Eagles have an opportunity to rejuvenate their defense and manage their cap space effectively. The coming months will reveal how Philadelphia navigates these crucial decisions.