The NFL “dead zone” is here, bringing a lull in news until training camps commence in late July. This period is ideal for evaluating the roster, particularly noting where the Eagles might still make additions. Howie Roseman has been active this offseason, securing substantial extensions and free agent signings to position the team competitively for the summer.
Roseman excels at managing the salary cap, complementing his strengths in the NFL Draft, leading to numerous promising players eligible for contract extensions. Reed Blankenship exemplifies this success, progressing from an undrafted free agent in 2022 to a valuable starter in just two seasons. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Eagles should consider an extension sooner rather than later.
Blankenship joined the team as a UDFA after unexpectedly going undrafted and quickly made an impact in a rotational and special teams capacity as a rookie. In 2023, he started 15 games, standing out as a strong starter, especially in coverage, with three interceptions and 11 pass deflections. He continued this upward trajectory in 2024, achieving a career-best four interceptions while enhancing his run defense skills.
Potential Contract Extension for Reed Blankenship
While Reed Blankenship is recognized among Eagles fans (and safety enthusiasts), his talents aren’t as widely acknowledged across the NFL. Given his well-rounded abilities, he could be viewed as deserving of top-tier safety compensation, potentially in line with Tre’von Moehrig, who recently secured a $17 million annual deal with the Carolina Panthers. However, due to his under-the-radar status, Blankenship may command a lower figure.
I believe it’s more reasonable to compare his potential earnings to those of Jevon Holland and Cam Bynum, both of whom signed contracts averaging around $15 million annually. This figure seems like a fitting starting point for Blankenship, although his performance in 2025 could elevate his market value further.
Based on these contracts, I project a possible extension for Reed Blankenship as follows:
Reed Blankenship projected extension: 3 years, $45M ($15M APY), $22.5M guaranteed including $10M signing bonus
Such a contract would position Blankenship as the tenth-highest paid safety in the NFL at $15 million per year, tied with Bynum and just behind Holland’s $15.1 million APY. His $22.5 million in guarantees (50% of the contract) exceeds Bynum’s 43.3% but is slightly below Holland’s 60.5% guarantee rate.
The Eagles would be prudent to finalize this deal with Blankenship soon. The NFL is starting to elevate safety salaries, and if Blankenship has a breakout year in 2025, he could easily command around $20 million annually. Given the current lack of reliable safety talent behind him, securing Blankenship long-term makes strategic sense for Philadelphia.
At 26, turning 27 during the 2026 season, Blankenship is a logical candidate for an extension. His consistencies in performance make him a reliable starter at a position gaining renewed significance due to trends favoring the run game. Blankenship displays high-level coverage abilities alongside steady run defense.
Although the Eagles have added promising rookie Andrew Mukuba and are anticipating Sydney Brown’s return from injury, extending Blankenship should not be overlooked. While both could emerge as viable starters—making the team hopeful—letting Blankenship hit the open market next year poses unnecessary risks. Additionally, the Eagles need to be cautious with their future spending, given their recent financial commitments.
What are your opinions on this potential extension for Reed Blankenship? Do you believe he deserves a lucrative deal considering his reliability and the current state of the Eagles’ safety depth? Or would it be wiser to wait and assess the potential of younger players before committing to an extension?
