Reed Blankenship, once an undrafted free agent, is making significant strides as a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles. His journey in the NFL has been remarkable, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory and recognition at his high school, West Limestone, which recently retired his jersey.
During the 2024 season, Blankenship showcased his skills with impressive statistics: he recorded 78 tackles and six pass defenses in the regular season, along with notable performances in the playoffs. His efforts have solidified his reputation, and he has recently signed a one-year extension, although he is expected to pursue a more substantial contract soon.
Blankenship’s rise to prominence started at Middle Tennessee State, leading him to join the Eagles and play his initial two seasons under the NFL minimum salary. However, he has now earned escalators in his contract, reflecting his growing importance to the team’s Super Bowl success. As a current champion and considered one of the top young safeties in the league, Blankenship is in the final year of his contract, positioning himself for a lucrative long-term deal.
In pursuit of the best possible terms, Blankenship has switched agents to Athlete’s First, linked to prominent contracts in the NFL, including a recent record extension for Micah Parsons. This shift in representation comes at a time when financial benchmarks are being established in the safety market, notably highlighted by Josh Metellus’s three-year, $36 million contract from the Vikings.
Recently, the Los Angeles Rams set a new bar with the extension of safety Quentin Lake, worth $42 million, further enhancing the contract negotiation landscape for safeties. This trend puts additional pressure on Blankenship to capitalize on his defensive prowess.
In the 2024 season, Blankenship logged notable contributions, including 78 tackles, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery during a playoff run that led the Eagles to their Super Bowl appearance. Despite impressive tackling numbers, his overall Pro Football Focus grade of 46.5 ranks him low among his peers, suggesting there is room for improvement, especially in coverage.
Overall, Reed Blankenship’s development into a standout safety has elevated both his profile and market value, setting the stage for what is likely to be a promising contract negotiation in the near future. The future looks bright for the young athlete as he continues to leave a mark in the league.