Houston Texans sign Reed Blankenship

The Texans securing Reed Blankenship for $8.3M annually over three years represents a solid, if unspectacular, investment in their secondary that earns a C+ CVI. This deal slots Blankenship squarely in the middle tier of safety contracts, paying him like the above-average starter he's proven to be rather than reaching for upside that may not exist. The $16.5M in guarantees provides reasonable security without handcuffing Houston's future flexibility, though the $8.3M AAV feels like a slight premium for a player who's more reliable than dynamic. Blankenship brings steady coverage skills and decent run support, but this contract essentially pays him as a fringe top-10 safety when his production suggests he's closer to the 12-15 range at the position. The three-year term gives both sides manageable risk — the Texans avoid a lengthy commitment to a player approaching his late twenties, while Blankenship cashes in on his best statistical seasons without betting everything on continued growth. This C+ CVI reflects a pragmatic move that fills a need without moving the needle significantly, the type of middle-market deal that keeps rosters functional but rarely defines championship windows.