Jan. 22, 2026, 6:55 p.m. CT

The search is over. The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with former Philadelphia Eagles assistant Christian Parker to become Dallas’ next defensive coordinator. In a deal that was done within roughly 24 hours of his second interview, Parker reportedly wowed the Cowboys into a prompt decision.

Coming from the Vic Fangio coaching tree, Parker is expected to bring in ample 2-high looks. His coverage will mix man and zone, disguise its intentions pre-snap, and generally act more sophisticated than the previous regime in Dallas. Given this sophistication, the Cowboys will need to employ bright minds in their secondary in 2026.

The Cowboys struggled with even the most basic assignments in 2025. From reads to responsibilities, they dropped the bag, forcing simplification and playing far too transparently to opposing offenses. None of which will fly in a Christian Parker defense, indicating trusted free agent additions will be needed in 2026.

One such free agent who Parker has intimate knowledge of from his time in Philadelphia, is the tastefully named Reed Blankenship. Blankenship, the Eagles starting safety over the last four seasons, is coming off his worst season as a pro. The normally solid safety is likely to get a fresh start in 2026 and that start could be with Parker in Dallas.

The 26-year-old Blankenship has one season graded as a top-10 safety and two seasons as a top-30 safety. Assuming injuries were the cause for his decline last year, Blankenship’s down season may be perfectly explainable and may also lead to a sweetheart deal for the Cowboys in free agency.

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With Donovan Wilson a probable free agent departure, finding a capable safety to play next to Malik Hooker is important.  Blankenship won’t break the bank to sign and should allow the Cowboys to keep their options open on draft day. One of the best prospects in the entire draft stands a chance at falling to Dallas at Pick 12. Blankenship would hardly prevent the Cowboys from pouncing on such a windfall of fortune.

The 2026 free agent safety class is an extremely deep one. The depth should keep prices down as long as the buying team is willing to stay patient. If the Cowboys can convince a low commitment “prove-it” deal is in Blankenship’s best interests, they could get something worked out quickly. Parker’s presence allows that.

There are a handful of other free agent safeties with experience in a Fangio defense, so it’s not Blankship-or-bust by any means. But the connection makes sense and Blankenship might be just what Parker needs to get this secondary back on track.

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