Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is signing a three-year, $24.8 million deal with the Houston Texans in free agency, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday evening.

Blankenship’s deal includes $16.5 million in guaranteed money.

Eagles Offseason Tracker: Free agents, draft picks, more

The Growing Exodus of the Eagles’ Defense

Blankenship is the second starter from the Eagles’ defense to depart in the opening hours of the NFL’s free agent negotiating window. Earlier on Monday, news broke that edge rusher Jaelan Phiilps is heading to Carolina, and later the Raiders signed linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Blankenship went undrafted in the 2022 draft, signing with the Eagles.  He became the full-time starter during his second year with the team and made 50 regular-season starts, and added six playoff starts. Blankenship was a valuable player on the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning defense and has been solid, collecting nine interceptions, 23 pass breakups, and making 301 tackles.

In 2025, Blankenship totaled one interception, four pass breakups, and 83 tackles in 16 regular-season games for the Eagles’ defense.

Next Man Up: Who Replaces Blankenship in 2026?

With Blankenship gone, the Eagles have safety Drew Makuba returning from injury and third-year player Sydney Brown. Another name to keep an eye on is Michael Carter II, who could be in line for a starting role. Carter came over in a trade with the New York Jets, but made little impact, making 10 tackles in eight games.  On Monday, the team brought Carter back on a new, renegotiated deal, which could put him in line for a bigger role in 2026.

With Phillips, Dean, and Blankenship gone, the Eagles’ defense will have at least three new starters in 2026, plus a likely fourth at outside corner, replacing Adoree Jackson.

The Best Philly Athletes Age 25 or Younger

Philadelphia has some great young athletes right now, from All-Star Tyrese Maxey to two first-round draft picks on the Eagles Defensive Line (Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter). In honor of the Philly Sports Youth Movement, here is my ranking of the Top Ten Philadelphia Professional Athletes who are 25 years old or younger:

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media