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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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With NFL free agency underway, the Philadelphia Eagles saw multiple defensive players depart to sign with other teams. Free agents Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship are all headed to new squads, creating some intrigue when it comes to Philly's defense.
Blankenship, 27, agreed to a three-year, $24.75 million deal with the Houston Texans on Monday, according to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter (via Kyle McCarthy at Athletes First). The 6-foot-1, 203-pound safety arrived in Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent in 2022, ultimately earning a spot on the team's starting defensive lineup.
His contributions also aided the team's eventual run to the Lombardi Trophy last year, as they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Now he'll join a Texans team that was an AFC Playoffs contender this past season.
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Monday's free agency news is bringing plenty of emotion as teammates bid farewell to one another. That includes Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean, who shared the news from The Athletic's Diana Russini along with a heartfelt message for Blankenship.
"Damn, gonna miss my dawg. Go be great brotha," DeJean wrote in an X message, including a heart emoji.
Blankenship tallied 308 tackles, nine interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in his three seasons in Philadelphia. Based on early reactions to the signing news, the Texans were able to really upgrade their defense to another level, possibly becoming better than the Seattle Seahawks in that regard.
DeJean, 23, joined the Eagles in 2024 as a second-round pick. That worked out well for him, as he was also just in time to join Blankenship and the rest of the roster for their Super Bowl LIX win.
However, news of all the Eagles' free-agent departures reveals quite a shakeup for their defense. The signings can't officially occur until Wednesday, which is the start of the NFL calendar year.
The team could still address some of its defensive needs, including edge rusher, cornerback, and safety, in this week's free agency or through trades. However, they could also look to next month’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh to try to resolve some of these deficiencies.
Read more: Malik Willis Reacts to Joining Dolphins With Free Agency Signing
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