Darius Slay pings former UDFA to fill his leadership void in Eagles' secondary room
The Philadelphia Eagles moved on from cornerback Darius Slay earlier this was as apart of a business move to save the team some salary cap space. Not only did Slay play a key role on the football field, but he also made a major impact in the locker room as a veteran leader. The question […]
The Philadelphia Eagles moved on from cornerback Darius Slay earlier this was as apart of a business move to save the team some salary cap space.
Not only did Slay play a key role on the football field, but he also made a major impact in the locker room as a veteran leader.
The question now remains: Who will step up to fill Slay's leadership role as Philly looks to move forward with a young secondary?
But Slay has the answer.
Appearing on his own Big Play Slay podcast, the former Eagles All-Pro pinged fourth-year safety and former 2022 UDFA Reed Blankenship as the guy to take over leading the secondary room.
"Reed being around me and a lot of veterans before, I'm sure he could lead that group the right way," Slay said. "That's who I feel would be leading the group if I ain't in the building. He's a great damn leader. If they brought another veteran in who has played a lot, they could be a leader. But for sure, if I'm not in that room, Reed Blankenship will be a great one."
Blankenship Went Undrafted in 2022
Blankenship comes with a cool underdog backstory after he originally signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State in 2022.
Following a competitive training camp, he was just one of three UDFAs who made the Eagles' roster as a rookie that season.
In 2023, Blankenship became a full-time starter for the Birds. He started in 15 of 17 games and recorded a team-high 108 total tackles, 11 passes defended, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
Blankenship was just as reliable in 2024 and finished with 78 tackles in the regular season, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. He added another 27 tackles, along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery, in the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning postseason.
His consistency earned him a one-year extension worth up to $5,2 million last March, which keeps him in Philly through 2025.
