Eagles

Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship Leaving the Eagles in Free Agency

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Mar 9th, 2026 · 6:59 PM EDT

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Eagles news:

Raiders are giving former Eagles LB Nakobe Dean a three-year, $36 million deal including $20M guaranteed. https://t.co/7GrhNxALmc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

The #Texans have agreed to terms with former #Eagles S Reed Blankenship, source said.

It’s a three-year, $24.75 million deal with $16.5 million guaranteed in a deal done by Kyle McCarthy at @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/favKqg5x21

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2026

Nakobe was always iffy to return, especially with the 2025 draft addition of Jihaad Campbell. Pro Bowler Zack Baun had LB1 on lockdown and that opened the door for Dean to get himself a nice contract with the Raiders.

Dean was thought to be a bust one point, playing sparingly during his rookie season. He then lost most of his sophomore season to injury. But man was he a stud during the Super Bowl season. 15 games, 128 tackles, nine TFL, six QB hits, two forced fumbles, a pick, and four PBUs. He played some great football for the Birds on one of the best defenses in franchise history. Bummer that the knee injury cut short his playoff run, but he was as good as anybody on the D for the regular season and opening postseason game.

As for Blankenship, the Exciting Whites are no more. RIP. He goes to Houston to play for DeMeco Ryans on another badass defense.

Reed is a great story, coming out of Middle Tennessee State as an undrafted free agent. He finishes his Eagles career with 56 regular season games, nine interceptions, and 308 tackles. Throw in eight more playoff games with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 44 tackles, and a TFL. That 2024 Birds secondary was incredible.

Thanks to both of these guys for their contributions to the greatest era of Eagles football ever.