Pro Football Focus identified Blankenship as the one free-agent the Cowboys should pursue above all others this offseason, noting Dallas’s need to overhaul the secondary even as it looks to retain receiver George Pickens and add a new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, who could lure other Eagles defenders.
This season, Blankenship posted a 29.9 PFF coverage grade and a 75.3 run-defense grade, with his coverage grade previously sitting at an impressive 87.1. His uneven numbers reflect a challenging year in coverage but solid value in run support.
Blankenship’s playoff outing in the Eagles’ 23-19 Wild Card loss to the 49ers drew scrutiny, including a blown coverage on a trick play that resulted in a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey, leaving his market perception under closer review.
Despite the setback, Blankenship’s value could rebound, with the current projection around a two-year, approximately $14.3 million contract as he hits free agency, a figure that could spike if Dallas views him as a cornerstone upgrade.
Blankenship’s backstory remains compelling: an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022, he became Philadelphia’s full-time starter in 2023 and played a key role as the Eagles won the 2024 Super Bowl.
Even if Blankenship departs, Philadelphia’s secondary remains deep, featuring All-Pro-caliber talents such as outside corner Quinyon Mitchell and slot corner Cooper DeJean, plus 2025 second-rounder Andrew Mukuba, who was emerging as a pair of years ago before a season-ending injury.
