Beyond the coaching hires, the bigger task for Dallas is overhauling the Defensive unit. The Cowboys ranked near the bottom in points allowed (32nd) and yardage (30th) last season under Matt Eberflus, and while Eberflus absorbed blame, a portion belongs to the personnel as well. The unit is solid upfront, but the rest of the defense needs significant work through the draft and free agency.
Parker’s hiring has sparked speculation about potential targets in free agency, notably safety Reed Blankenship. Dallas is expected to keep safeties Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell, but the rest of the back end could see changes. Multiple outlets have noted Parker’s influence on personnel decisions and his potential to advocate for Blankenship as a fit in the Cowboys’ system.
The connection between Parker and Blankenship has been echoed by Dallas media, with reports suggesting Parker will help shape which free agents the Cowboys pursue, potentially targeting Blankenship as a strategic addition. Analysts have also speculated about the possibility of upgrading the safety position to complement Hooker, especially given vacancies around the depth chart.
Blankenship’s pathway to Dallas centers on his resilience and leadership. An undrafted rookie in 2022 out of Middle Tennessee, he worked into a starting role with the Eagles and has started 46 of 51 games over the last three seasons. He is known for tackling and durability, though his-coverage grades dipped in 2025, a point some view as a potential anomaly given the heavy responsibilities he handled.
Contract projections place Blankenship in a modest range for a safety, with Spotrac estimating a two-year, about $14.5 million deal. That figure aligns with the Cowboys’ need to manage cap space while addressing a defense that lacks upper-tier back-end playmakers. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio once called Blankenship a “rock” back there, a leadership quality Dallas could value to stabilize a unit that lacked leadership in 2025.
As the Cowboys push to reshape their defense, Parker’s influence and a targeted safety addition could shape a broader strategy that includes the draft and other free-agent moves. The team will evaluate whether to push for outside-the-building upgrades at multiple back-end spots or to balance development with immediate help, all while filling four assistant roles on the defensive staff.
