The Dallas Cowboys made a major splash on Thursday by hiring Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator. Just 34 years old, Parker played a key role in transforming the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary into one of the NFL’s scariest units, and Dallas may not be done poaching from its rival.
Cowboys writer Patrik Walker pointed out on X that Eagles safety Reed Blankenship is an unrestricted free agent.
With Parker now in charge of the defense, Blankenship already looks like a potential solution for Dallas' secondary. He could also give the Cowboys cover to move on from starting safety Donovan Wilson, who's set to enter free agency at 31 years old.
Between losing Parker and firing Kevin Patullo, there’s suddenly real uncertainty surrounding the Eagles. A reunion with his former defensive backs coach could be the reset Blankenship needs.
Cowboys could reel in UFA Reed Blankenship after hiring of Christian Parker
Blankenship did not have the best year in 2025.
Pro Football Focus graded him at 46.5, which ranked 92nd out of 98 qualifying safeties. His breakout 2023 season, when he tallied 113 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 passes defended, was more of an outlier than the norm, but he's a better player than what he showed this season.
Injuries forced Blankenship to be the guy in Philly's safety room. He's better in a secondary role, and that might happen if the Cowboys bring back Malik Hooker or draft Ohio State safety Caleb Downs in April with one of their two first-round picks.
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Even with Blankenship's struggles this year, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report put him No. 19 on his top 50 free agent rankings. Knox astutely pointed out that Blankenship may not be elite in any aspect of the game, but he can do a little bit of everything well.
Parker helped develop Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean into first-team All-Pro defensive backs. Eagles players know exactly what Dallas is getting with Parker, making the Cowboys an ideal second stop for the four-year pro out of Middle Tennessee.
That isn't to say the Cowboys should hand Blankenship a blank check. Nor should he be expected to remedy all of the problems in the secondary. However, if Dallas -- and more importantly, Parker -- view him as a worthwhile addition, Jerry Jones shouldn't think twice.
He should want every last strand of the Eagles' championship DNA.