Podcast Summary: Locked On Cowboys – “EAGLES TO COWBOYS: Reed Blankenship and Others Who Could Join Dallas Cowboys In Free Agency!”
Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool (“Lacool”)
Network: Locked On Podcast Network
Episode Overview
In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool dive into the pool of Philadelphia Eagles defensive free agents, analyzing which might realistically be lured to the Dallas Cowboys—particularly given new defensive passing coordinator Christian Parker’s ties to Philadelphia. The duo examine roster fits, contracts, and injury histories, aiming to identify value targets who could fortify the Cowboys’ defense in 2026.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Reed Blankenship: The Top Target
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Why He Makes Sense
- Connection to Cowboys’ new defensive passing game coordinator (Christian Parker), who coached him in Philadelphia
- Familiarity with the system would ease transition and help the rest of the defense adapt quickly
- Could provide leadership and bridge the playbook for new teammates
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Quote:
“If I had to pick one guy that’s the most likely to sign with the Cowboys this offseason, it’s probably [Reed Blankenship].”
—Marcus Mosher, (01:20) -
Value & Fit
- Not an expensive “elite” free agent, but a strong, scheme-friendly fit
- Hosts believe the move “makes too much sense”
- Could bring good value due to mutual familiarity and system fit
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Quote:
“You get to transcribe over the playbook for a guy that can help teach it to all the other players in the defensive backfield … There’s just too many reasons to do it. It makes too much sense. They practically were hinting at it in the press conference.”
—Lacool, (02:40–03:30)
2. Jalen Phillips: Intrigue with Injury Risks
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Defensive End Needs & Market
- Phillips traded to Philadelphia for a third-rounder; hosts skeptical Eagles would let him walk, but leave the door open
- Would slot in as a much-needed versatile, bigger body on the Cowboys’ defensive line
- Production in both Miami and Philadelphia praised, but injury history is “very real”
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Projected Contract & Value
- Mosher’s ideal: 2 years, $15–16M per season
- Hesitation around paying big $ for significant injury risk
- If paired with players like Clowney, Ezraku, Houston, Thomas, gives Cowboys “really good” D-line depth
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Quotes:
“I just don’t know if the Cowboys are going to be willing to pay that much money for a guy with that extensive of an injury history.”
—Marcus Mosher, (05:01)“It’ll be interesting to see what his market is because the injury situation is very real. But he was a very productive, good player in Miami and in Philadelphia...”
—Lacool, (05:32)
3. Nakobe Dean: Low-Cost Linebacker Veteran
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Why Dallas Might Target
- Need for a veteran linebacker; not a “top 10 unit,” but improves the floor
- Dean’s age (26), familiarity with the system, and performance “when on the field” are positives
- Could pair with Overshown, Shamar James, and Leo Fowl
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Market & Value Debated
- Conflicting projections; PFF lists as high as 3 years, $30M (over $10M per year)
- Hosts prefer something closer to 1 year, $6–7M
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Quotes:
“I think Dean makes as much sense as anybody. Certainly more sense than the kind of equivalent value linebackers that you’ve signed here these last few years.”
—Lacool, (08:50)“If that’s the market, I’m out. ...I was thinking like the one year, six million dollar range.”
—Marcus Mosher, (10:23, 10:45)“Dean really kind of showed up this season … but it’s kind of too little, too late.”
—Lacool, (09:55)
4. Other “Edge” or Rotational Targets
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Aziz Ojulari
- Only 25, not a star, but decent rotational fit
- Experience in the system—“makes a ton of sense” as an affordable depth addition
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Marcus Epps
- Not a starter, but “won’t get you killed”—potential for a veteran minimum/stabilizing presence
- Hosts would consider a one-year, $4M deal
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Quote:
“If you’re trying to go cheap and just trying to get some labor, I think Aziz Ojulari is only 25...as far as a guy to add to your rotation and another guy with experience playing in the defense, I think it makes a ton of sense.”
—Lacool, (11:08)“You could probably do worse than signing Marcus Epps to something like a, you know, one year, $4 million deal.”
—Lacool, (12:02)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Blankenship and system continuity:
“You bring over the defensive passing coordinator … free safety … who has been with him his whole time … There’s so many reasons to do it right.”
—Lacool, (02:34) -
On spending for linebackers:
“My preference is to actually really spend some money at linebacker and go and get one of these top guys. But if that’s not in the cards...I think Dean makes as much sense as anybody.”
—Lacool, (08:39) -
On Eagles’ cap restraints:
“Philadelphia only has $18 million of cap space now. They can free up some money. They can’t free up a ton of money. And they’ve got some big name free agents...”
—Marcus Mosher, (03:44)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:12 – Main topic introduction: Eagles defensive free agents as Cowboys targets
- 01:20–03:30 – Reed Blankenship as logical free agent target; fit and value
- 03:44–05:32 – Jalen Phillips: value, risk, potential fit, contract debates
- 08:20–11:01 – Nakobe Dean: linebacker needs, contract projections, debate on value
- 11:08–12:13 – Rotational/cheap free agent options: Aziz Ojulari, Marcus Epps
Conclusion
The hosts find Reed Blankenship nearly a “no-brainer” free agency target given the new defensive staff and system continuity, while Jalen Phillips and Nakobe Dean present higher-risk but potentially high-reward opportunities—depending on market value and willingness to gamble on injury histories. Depth options like Ojulari and Epps could round out the roster with affordable, familiar pieces.
This episode serves as an in-depth primer on how Dallas can shop for both value and strategic fit on the defensive side, especially in the context of limited cap space and philosophical changes brought by incoming coaches.