Immediate evaluation of the Eagles’ decision to extend Reed Blankenship’s contract.
Reed Blankenship, initially an undrafted free agent, has become an integral part of the Eagles’ rebuilding process. His commitment to a one-year contract extension underscores his importance to the team.
Blankenship entered the Eagles’ fold after going undrafted from Middle Tennessee State and has spent his first two seasons in the NFL earning the league’s minimum salary.
In 2023, Blankenship transitioned into a full-time starting role with the Eagles, featuring in 15 out of 17 games and logging 973 defensive snaps (81%) along with 124 snaps on special teams. Only James Bradberry surpassed Blankenship in defensive snaps for the Eagles during the 2023 season.
With Blankenship’s contract extension secured, here’s an immediate assessment of the move:
T.J. Edwards 2.0.
The decision secures Blankenship’s future with the Eagles, ensuring he remains with the team rather than becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Three years prior, Philadelphia experienced a similar situation with T.J. Edwards, an undrafted free agent linebacker. Rather than risking losing him to another team via restricted free agency, the Eagles opted to sign him to a contract extension. Edwards flourished into a standout middle linebacker, ultimately departing for Chicago, from which Philadelphia received a compensatory pick.
Blankenship’s role is pivotal to the Eagles’ success.
In his debut season, Blankenship tallied 32 total tackles and managed two passes defensed, setting the stage for an impressive performance in 2023.
During the 2023 season, Blankenship excelled, leading the team with 108 total tackles, 75 of which were solo tackles. He also earned credit for 11 passes defended, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery. His accomplishments positioned him among just five NFL players last season who achieved 105-plus tackles, 3-plus interceptions, and 10-plus passes defended.
In the upcoming 2024 season, Blankenship will team up with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, while the Eagles continue to support the recovery of the talented Sydney Brown from a torn ACL.
The Eagles’ scouting department has demonstrated exceptional prowess.
Whether it’s T.J. Edwards, Blankenship, Eli Ricks, or other players, Philadelphia emphasizes investing in undrafted free agents with significant potential by offering them competitive salaries, and this approach will persist. The depth chart is taking form.
The starting lineup on the defensive front will feature Bryce Huff, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Josh Sweat, while Nolan Smith, Milton Williams, and Brandon Graham will play pivotal roles. In the linebacker corps, Philadelphia will rely on Nakobe Dean, Devin White, Zack Baun, and Oren Burks during crucial moments.
In the secondary, Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Kelee Ringo will have significant responsibilities at cornerback, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson taking on the STAR position, covering the slot, playing in the box, and deep safety.
Blankenship will take up one of the safety positions.
