Texans make signing of free agent star DB Reed Blankenship official

Houston, TX — The Houston Texans on Tuesday formalized their splashiest defensive addition of the 2026 off-season, announcing the signing of veteran safety Reed Blankenship to a three-year, $24.75 million pact that guarantees the 27-year-old $16.5 million.

Blankenship arrives from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as a team captain and started all 16 games last season, compiling 83 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble. His résumé over the previous two campaigns is even more striking: seven interceptions and 18 pass deflections from 2023-24 while anchoring a secondary that paced the NFL in passing yards allowed (174.2 per game) during the Eagles’ 2024 championship run.

An undrafted product out of Middle Tennessee State, Blankenship has logged at least 16 starts in each of the past three seasons and earned a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 73.0 or better every year, underscoring the consistency Houston is buying.

The Texans believe Blankenship’s arrival solidifies a defense that already ranked among the league’s stingiest. Houston finished 2025 No. 1 in total yards allowed (277.2 per game) and No. 2 in points allowed (17.7), but cycled through multiple options opposite second-year standout Calen Bullock at safety. Blankenship now projects as the stabilizing force in the back end, positioning the unit for a potential leap to the NFL’s top overall defense.

He will slot into a star-studded secondary that features All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., 2025 Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter and versatile nickel defender Jalen Pitre. Blankenship is the fourth external free agent to join the Texans this spring, following defensive end Domonique Robinson (Chicago Bears), linebacker Jake Hummel (Minnesota Vikings) and defensive lineman Logan Hall (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

With Blankenship in the fold, Houston’s front office believes the final piece of a championship-caliber defense is now in place.