The first day of the NFL‘s legal tampering period was difficult for Philadelphia Eagles supporters as the team remained quiet on new signings while losing several key players to other franchises. Notable departures included Jaelan Phillips heading to the Carolina Panthers, Jahan Dotson signing with the Atlanta Falcons, and Nakobe Dean joining the Las Vegas Raiders.
Among these exits, safety Reed Blankenship’s departure struck a particularly emotional chord within the Eagles community. Blankenship agreed to a three-year, $24.75 million contract with the Houston Texans, including $16 million guaranteed, leaving many fans and teammates saddened by the loss.
Cooper DeJean Responds Personally to Blankenship’s Move
Cooper DeJean, Blankenship’s former teammate and fellow secondary member, shared a heartfelt message on social media following the announcement. Reposting the news about Blankenship’s new contract, DeJean expressed his feelings directly to his friend and teammate.
Damn, gonna miss my dawg. Go be great brotha❤️🩹
— Cooper DeJean
For two seasons, DeJean and Blankenship played side by side in the Eagles’ secondary, earning the nickname The Exciting Whites. This bond inspired them to launch a podcast titled The Exciting Mics, where they explored various topics and welcomed guests, further highlighting their camaraderie beyond the field.
Reed Blankenship’s Impact and Journey with the Eagles
Blankenship’s story from an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022 to becoming a significant defensive starter has been inspiring. Over the past three years, he solidified his role at safety, contributing significantly to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory in the 2024 season, making his departure all the more poignant for fans and teammates alike.
DeJean Continues as a Key Figure in the Eagles’ Secondary
While Blankenship moves on to Houston, Cooper DeJean remains a crucial part of Philadelphia’s defense. Emerging as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, DeJean recently earned All-Pro honors in 2025 and is expected to sustain a prominent career playing within the team’s slot coverage.
The Eagles’ roster changes signal a period of adjustment and potential growth as the team navigates the free agency landscape and prepares for the upcoming season.
Damn, gonna miss my dawg. Go be great brotha❤️ https://t.co/UUiJFUFieX
— Cooper DeJean (@cooperdejean) March 9, 2026
