Feb. 19, 2026, 5:37 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
It hurts when Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> fan favorites regress, but we know it happens. Sometimes, that’s how we know the end is near. Sometimes, we know it’s because they’re due for a payday, and there isn’t enough money to pay them. Birds fans saw that play out last season. Don’t look now. We may be scheduled for a rerun.<\/p>\n Take Reed Blankenship, for instance. One-half of the ‘Exciting Whites’, Philadelphia has quite a dilemma<\/a>. He’s a team captain. He took a step back in 2025, but one can still argue that\u00a0he remains<\/a> an Eagles priority<\/a>.<\/p>\n The same thing happens every offseason. Roster turnover is inevitable. Good players will travel elsewhere. Some will stay, but ESPN’s Matt Bowen offers a prediction that won’t go over well with those who are sentimental. Two Eagles<\/a> starters are set to find new homes if Bowen’s prediction proves true.<\/p>\n Reed Blankenship lands with the Arizona Cardinals<\/a> in an ESPN free agency projection.<\/p>\n ESPN recently released its prediction of the best team fits for the NFL’s top 50 impending free agents<\/a>. Blankenship ranks 32nd. He’s projected to land with the Arizona Cardinals<\/a> in this theory. Here’s the explanation for that.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n “With safety\u00a0Jalen Thompson\u00a0entering free agency, the Cardinals might opt to sign Blankenship to play opposite\u00a0Budda Baker. Blankenship was with current Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis in Philly during his rookie season, and he’s a fit for Arizona’s foundational two-high coverages. Blankenship also brings ball production (nine career interceptions with the Eagles).”<\/p>\n If you’re interested, Jaelan Phillips stays with the Eagles, but Nakobe Dean travels north to sign with the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>. Former Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell signs with the New Orleans Saints<\/a> to rejoin Kellen Moore. Wouldn’t that be interesting?<\/p>\n