March 9, 2026, 9:45 p.m. CT
The Houston Texans’ secondary is getting a welcome addition for 2026 and beyond.
According to reports, the Texans and former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Reed Blankenship have agreed to terms on a three-year, $24.75 million contract. The deal includes $16.5 million guaranteed.
Blakenship, who was voted a team captain for the Eagles, played in 16 games last season, totaling 83 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble. Before that, he recorded seven interceptions between 2023-24, along with 18 pass deflections.
A former undrafted free agent from Middle Tennessee State, the 27-year-old was a key part of a championship defense in 2024 that finished first in passing yards allowed (174.2) and second in opponent points per game (17.8). Over the past three years, he has started at least 16 games while posting a coverage grade of at least 73.0, per Pro Football Focus.
Fans seem to be excited about the move, but what do the experts think of the addition?
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
From Thompson: “Simply on fit, Blankenship is the ideal type of man coverage defender to fit in a secondary that just needs a running mate to pair with Bullock. He’s stable in coverage, but far superior as a run defender who attacks the second level of the defense. He’s not a straight-up box safety, but Blankenship is at his best when playing the run or guarding tight ends.
Basically, Blankenship is playing the same role for a new team with a bit more firepower. After forming a strong secondary with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia, he’ll be the final piece of a secondary that features three Pro Bowl talents and an All-Pro in Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans, with four different safeties, still ranked top-10 in every pass coverage category, including No. 1 in total yards allowed (277.2) and No. 2 in scoring (17.7).
An $8 million deal isn’t bad for a guy who started 50 games and likely would have been a better fit for an elite defense than anyone in coverage last season. The only reason why it’s a B+ is because of the immediate need. The Texans must address the offensive line and that same deal could have gone to either Pittsburgh Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo or Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Cade Mays.”
From Manzano: “Blankenship is leaving one stout defense for another. The safety is headed to Houston after agreeing to terms on a three-year, $24.75 million contract.
After forming a strong secondary with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia, Blankenship will get to make plays in a secondary featuring Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter.Â
Blankenship, who started 46 games for the Eagles the past three seasons, had 83 tackles and one interception last season.”
From Jones: “Blankenship delivered two outstanding seasons in 2023 and 2024, recording a combined 191 tackles and seven interceptions, but then had a bit of a down year in 2025. The Texans are hoping he can provide additional support for a secondary that includes Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre to help further elevate their already championship-caliber defense.”
From Knox: “Blankenship has admittedly has his moments—the 27-year-old won a Super Bowl with the Eagles and topped 110 total tackles back in 2023. But he has been inconsistent in coverage, allowing 11 touchdowns over his career.
Blankenship is what he is—a box safety who is much better stuffing the run than in space. But provided the Texans can scheme around those limitations, $8.25 million a year isn’t bad for a 50-game starter.”
From Iyer: “The Texans filled one of their few secondary holes with the active upfield former Eagles playmaker.”