Philadelphia, PA – March 23, 2025, 08:55 PM PDT
Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman has made a savvy move to secure the future of the team’s secondary, applying a second-round tender to restricted free agent (RFA) safety Reed Blankenship, sources confirmed Sunday. The decision ensures the Eagles retain a key defensive piece while maintaining flexibility in their roster-building strategy following their Super Bowl LIX victory.

Blankenship, 26, has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ secondary since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022. In the 2024 season, he recorded 92 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups across 16 games, adding another interception in the Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs. His consistent play, with a passer rating when targeted of 78.5, has made him a reliable free safety alongside Sydney Brown, who is still recovering from injury (web ID: 14). With C.J. Gardner-Johnson traded to the Houston Texans on March 11, retaining Blankenship became a priority for Roseman.

2025 Philadelphia Eagles Collection

The second-round tender, valued at approximately $4.2 million for the 2025 season, allows the Eagles to keep Blankenship while retaining the right to match any offer he might receive from another team. If a team signs him and the Eagles decline to match, they would receive a second-round draft pick as compensation—a fair return for a player of Blankenship’s caliber. “Howie’s playing this perfectly,” an NFL insider told ESPN. “He’s securing a proven starter at a reasonable cost while keeping his options open.”

Roseman’s decision aligns with his strategy of balancing youth and value in a “reset year” following the Eagles’ championship run. With $18.125 million in cap space, the tender fits comfortably within the team’s budget, leaving room to pursue other targets like former Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who could form a dynamic duo with Blankenship (web ID: 12). Eagles fans on X are applauding the move, with one posting, “Howie’s a genius—$4.2M to keep Blankenship is a steal! Now let’s get Simmons!” Another wrote, “Smart play to secure Reed—he’s been a rock for us!” With Blankenship locked in, Roseman’s next steps could solidify the Eagles’ defense for another title run.