Eagles Sign Starting Defender to Extension Ahead of Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the most active teams throughout free agency this year. They have locked down Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to raise the floor of the team in 2024.
GM Howie Roseman looked outside of the building to bring players in but he also decided to retain a defensive starter from the 2023 campaign.
Per Zach Berman of PHLY, the Eagles have signed safety Reed Blankenship to a one-year extension through 2025.
The Eagles signed Reed Blankenship to a one-year contract extension through 2025.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) April 1, 2024
It’s similar to what they once did with TJ Edwards — they avoid the RFA year.
Eagles News: Reed Blankenship Inks an Extension Through 2025
The Eagles now have their two starting safeties for 2024 in Blankenship and Gardner-Johnson.
Blankenship is an instinctive defender in the secondary who is a strong player against the run. The former Middle Tennessee State standout can also use his speed to be a rangy playmaker over the top.
In 2023, the 25-year-old finished with 113 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, and three interceptions. The Eagles now have two safeties who have the versatility to play both positions if needed.
Per PFF, Blankenship notched a 73.4 overall grade while logging a 78 coverage grade.
Another underrated plus to this extension is that Sydney Brown suffered a torn ACL in Week 18 so he won't be ready for the start of the year. Having a player who has played in this scheme for two years allows Brown to ease his way back onto the field.
The Eagles have one of the best rosters in the league and own a real shot of reaching Super Bowl LIX. They currently have the seventh-best odds in the NFL to win the whole thing at +1600. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook, claim your sign-up bonus, and take advantage of these odds to back the Eagles.
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