Blankenship signed a three-year, $24.75 million contract with Houston after rising from an undrafted free agent to a full-time starter and a key contributor on a Super Bowl-winning defense. His exit leaves Philadelphia with thinner safety depth than a year ago.
ESPN analyst Jordan Reid predicts the Eagles will address the need in the 2026 NFL draft, projecting Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley to be selected in the 3rd round (No. 98 overall). Wheatley is described as a rangy player capable of defending deep passes and crashing down in run support.
Wheatley’s draft stock took a hit in part due to a 4.65-second 40-yard dash at the combine, a time that’s considered below ideal for NFL secondary prospects. In 2024, he posted 96 tackles, 3 interceptions and 4 pass deflections, with numbers declining in his final college season.
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein evaluated Wheatley as a long, athletic safety who can play over the top or near the line and has good route recognition. He noted Wheatley’s tackling range and competitive nature, but said he could improve pursuit angles and play strength, leaving him with Day 2 potential and a path to becoming a solid starter.
Blankenship’s departure sparked mixed reactions among Eagles fans, given his rise from UDFA to captain and a contributor on a team that reached the Super Bowl. Philadelphia now faces a practical question: can a 2026 draft pick like Wheatley fill the safety vacancy and help sustain the team’s defensive ceiling?
