M.J. Stewart Expressed His Desire to Stay in Houston Even as a Backup — Texans Decide to Keep Him on a One-Year Deal Just Before Free Agency Begins

Houston, Texas The Houston Texans may not have been the loudest team during this year’s free agency period. But amid the blockbuster deals across the NFL, one of Houston’s quieter moves is beginning to draw serious attention from analysts: the signing of Reed Blankenship, the former Philadelphia Eagles safety and a key member of a Super Bowl-winning defense. The Texans signed Blankenship to a three-year, $24.75 million contract, a number that caught many around the league off guard. Not because Blankenship doesn’t deserve it, but because his NFL journey has long been defined by being overlooked. Blankenship entered the NFL in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State. He started his career in Philadelphia at the bottom of the depth chart, contributing primarily on special teams while fighting to prove he belonged. Within just a few seasons, he worked his way into a starting role with the Eagles, becoming a key contributor to the defense that helped deliver a Super Bowl championship. Despite his growing importance on the field, Blankenship’s early earnings remained modest. Over four seasons in Philadelphia, he made just $5.98 million. So when Houston presented him with a contract worth nearly $25 million, even Blankenship himself admitted he was stunned. Speaking in his first interview after signing with the Texans, the 27-year-old safety was candid about the moment. "You know, I was honestly shocked when I heard I was coming to Houston for $24.75 million. In my four years with the Eagles, they only paid me $5.98 million. But more than anything, I’m incredibly grateful to the Texans. This organization believed in me, valued me, and I know I have to bring a Super Bowl to Houston as the best way to thank them for everything they’ve done for me." For the Texans, Blankenship is more than just another addition to the roster. He is expected to serve as the “traffic cop” of the secondary, a high-IQ safety capable of diagnosing plays, organizing coverages, and bringing stability to the back end of DeMeco Ryans’ defense. Houston already boasts an elite cornerback duo in Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, and Blankenship’s presence could elevate the entire secondary to another level. Several NFL analysts have already labeled the move as one of the most underrated signings of the 2026 free agency period. It may not have dominated headlines, but it has the potential to deliver a massive impact on the field. Blankenship understands the expectations that now come with his new contract. But for a player who climbed from undrafted rookie to Super Bowl champion, pressure has never been something that scares him. And if everything unfolds the way Houston hopes, this $24.75 million deal could end up being one of the most important moves in the Texans’ pursuit of their first Super Bowl championship.