The Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary underwent significant changes this offseason, with the departures of veteran cornerback Darius Slay and the March trade of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans creating both opportunity and responsibility for the remaining players. At the center of this transformation is Reed Blankenship, who finds himself positioned to become the vocal leader of a young but talented defensive backfield coming off a Super Bowl championship.
Despite being just 26 years old and entering his fourth NFL season, Blankenship has already earned the respect of his peers following an incredible 2024 campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Perhaps no endorsement carries more weight than the one from Darius Slay himself, who spoke glowingly about Blankenship’s leadership potential on his podcast earlier this year.
“Reed being around me and a lot of veterans before, I’m sure he could lead that group the right way,” Slay said. “That’s who I feel would be leading the group if I ain’t in the building. He’s a great damn leader.”
The Eagles’ secondary faced a unique challenge following Gardner-Johnson’s trade to Houston in March 2025 and Slay’s release. Beyond their on-field production, both players brought intangible qualities that helped define the unit’s identity. Gardner-Johnson, in particular, played with an edge that set the tone for Philadelphia’s secondary during their successful 2024 Super Bowl run, but was traded for purely financial reasons, according to team sources.
Blankenship acknowledges that challenge but expresses confidence in the current group’s ability to fill that void.
“We understand that. We have a swag to us now. We’re not going to worry about that anymore. We have the guys in the room to continue doing that,” he said.
While Gardner-Johnson led through fiery emotion and Slay through veteran savvy, Blankenship appears ready to lead through mentorship and support.
“I try my best to teach these guys what I’ve been taught,” Blankenship said. “It’s one of those things they can take what I teach them or not, but I always let them know that I’m a strong shoulder to lean on with anything.”
This approach could prove crucial as the Eagles integrate young talent like second-round safety Andrew Mukuba from Texas, who was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and continue developing cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who were instrumental in the team’s 2024 Super Bowl victory.
Blankenship enters the 2025 season in the final year of his contract after signing a one-year extension, adding personal motivation to his leadership responsibilities. Following his outstanding 2024 campaign, where he recorded 78 combined tackles, four interceptions, and six pass deflections while helping the Eagles achieve a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl title, Blankenship has earned a place in football history with his jersey now displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.