The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for possible changes in their roster this offseason, with safety Reed Blankenship likely to enter free agency. Although much of the attention has centered on edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and tight end Dallas Goedert, Blankenship’s status has become a quieter but significant concern for the team. After emerging as a reliable starter despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, Blankenship may explore opportunities elsewhere, creating a vacancy in the Eagles’ secondary.
Potential Replacement: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as a Draft Prospect
Pro Football Focus analyst John Kosko has highlighted Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as an ideal candidate for the Eagles to consider in the upcoming NFL Draft. McNeil-Warren achieved an elite 91.9 overall PFF grade and a 92.0 coverage grade in the 2025 season, demonstrating his advanced playmaking skills through a 33.3% forced incompletion rate at the college level.
“The Eagles drafted Andrew Mukuba in the second round a year ago but are looking at losing Reed Blankenship to free agency this offseason. The Eagles could dip back into the Toledo talent pool and find another future star in McNeil-Warren. McNeil-Warren posted an elite 91.9 overall PFF grade in 2025 and paired that with an even better 92.0 PFF coverage grade. His 33.3% forced incompletion rate is off the charts and highlights the playmaking abilities he showcased in college.” -John Kosko, Pro Football Focus Writer
McNeil-Warren’s Standout Season and Draft Appeal
In his final year at Toledo, McNeil-Warren compiled 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a touchdown, and half a sack. The Eagles have previously found success selecting defensive backs from Toledo, such as All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell, which adds credibility to the idea of pursuing McNeil-Warren in the draft. However, choosing a safety early could be unexpected given the team’s more urgent needs, especially along the offensive line.
Roster Priorities and Financial Considerations
The Eagles face difficult decisions due to salary cap constraints. Blankenship may command a salary above $5 million annually in free agency, while the team must also allocate around $17 to $18 million per year for Jaelan Phillips. Meanwhile, urgent attention is needed to strengthen the offensive line, particularly to prepare for the potential retirements of veterans Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson.
Outlook for the Eagles’ Secondary and Next Steps
If Blankenship does sign elsewhere, the Eagles can maintain stability in their secondary by pairing promising safety Andrew Mukuba with a draft pick like McNeil-Warren. This combination would provide depth and continuity at the position for at least the next few seasons. Philadelphia’s approach in free agency and the draft will be critical in balancing immediate needs while developing a competitive roster for the future.
