When it comes to filling in the holes on the Dallas Cowboys defense, the hiring of defensive coordinator Christian Parker away from the Eagles can only accomplish so much. Parker is expected to bring a more fluid, teaching-heavy style to the Dallas staff, something that was notably absent with his predecessor, Matt Eberflus. That’s been an aspect of Parker’s approach that has drawn considerable praise as he has taken the team’s defensive reins.
But again, Parker can only handle teaching and scheme–he needs better players if this defense is going to considerably improve. And almost since the moment he got the job with the Cowboys, there has been talk that he could bring a current, popular Eagles star with him: free-agent Reed Blankenship, who would potentially fill a big hole at safety.
Blankenship signed a one-year contract last year, worth almost $4 million. He is due for a raise this year, as Spotrac projects him warranting a two-year, $14.4 million contract in free agency.
Reed Blankenship Addresses Joining Cowboys and DC Christian Parker
While Blankenship is under contract until the league year opens in March, prohibiting the Cowboys from discussing him openly, there’s nothing that prohibits Blankenship from addressing potential interest from other teams. And he made clear–as has most of the Eagles’ secondary, which Parker coached for the past two seasons–that Parker has been a big part of his success.
This week, ahead of the Super Bowl, Blankenship was asked about Parker in an interview with USA Today Sports.
“He is obviously well-known now,” he said. “He helped build our room, especially, and what he brings to the table coaching-wise and just as a person. He’s got it all. He’s gonna do great regardless of where he is at. He is going to do great for sure.”
Which prompted the follow-up question: Would Blankenship be open to joining Parker with the Cowboys as a free agent?
Blankenship laughed but was certainly open: “That’s another story. I don’t know. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I am still a Philadelphia Eagle until I am not anymore. So, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Safety a Big Need in the Dallas Defensive Backfield
The Cowboys have Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell at safety, but are likely to move on from Donovan Wilson, and would get an overall boost if Blankenship joined the mix to replace Wilson.
Blankenship’s story certainly endeared him to Eagles fans, as he worked his way from an undrafted DB out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022 up to a starter, and then to a captain’s role. Blankenship has started 46 out of 51 games in the last three years and is a good tackler from the safety spot.
Speaking about Blankenship earlier this season, Eagles DC Vic Fangio said, “He’s been kind of a rock back there. He’s got a rookie safety next to him. His importance to the defense is more than just what you see from the playing part of it. He’s the signal caller back there and keeps everybody calm.”
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