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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 28: Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles are losing yet another key piece of their defense in free agency.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, safety Reed Blankenship is signing with the Houston Texans on a three-year deal worth $24.5 million. The deal includes $16.5 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.
Mike Garafolo
The #Texans have agreed to terms with former #Eagles S Reed Blankenship, source said.
It’s a three-year, $24.75 million deal with $16.5 million guaranteed in a deal done by Kyle McCarthy at @AthletesFirst.
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The move marks another defensive departure for Philadelphia early in free agency and removes a key leader from the Eagles’ secondary.
Texans Add Proven Starter to Elite Defense
Blankenship has developed into a dependable starter during his time in Philadelphia, emerging as one of the team’s most reliable defensive backs over the past several seasons.
Originally entering the league as an undrafted rookie out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022, Blankenship quickly carved out a role on the Eagles defense. His physical style of play, football intelligence and consistency helped him earn a starting role and eventually become a respected voice in the locker room.
By the end of his Eagles tenure, Blankenship had appeared in 56 games with 50 starts while recording more than 300 tackles, nine interceptions and over 20 pass breakups.
Houston’s decision to sign Blankenship continues an aggressive approach to strengthening a defense that has already emerged as one of the league’s scariest units.
Blankenship brings a combination of coverage ability, physical tackling and strong communication skills that have been widely praised throughout his career.
During the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2024, Blankenship played a key role in the postseason. He contributed multiple big plays during the playoff run, recording 27 tackles and a forced fumble across four postseason games.
The 27-year-old now joins a Houston defense that continues to build around speed and physicality.
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