Stampede Blue
The still surprisingly unsigned Colts free agent safety reportedly could find a new home down south soon.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the New Orleans Saints are working to sign Indianapolis Colts free agent safety Julian Blackmon, after future Hall of Famer Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement just ahead of training camp:
Still only 26-years-old, the former 2020 3rd round pick of the Colts has made an impact during his 5-year career when fully healthy.
Blackmon is coming off a 2024 season for the Colts in which he recorded 86 tackles (62 solo), a tackle for loss, half a sack, 3 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during 17 starts for the Indianapolis defense.
Per PFF, Blackmon earned a +69.3 overall grade this past year, including a +73.5 coverage grade.
While he had some free agency interest, including a free agent visit with the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason, Blackmon still surprisingly remains unsigned.
The Colts seemed to move on when the team quickly inked former Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum to a lucrative, multi-year deal in the first wave of free agency.
With young strong safety Nick Cross having a bit of a breakout 2024 campaign, and excelling closer to the line of scrimmage, and it seemed as though Blackmon, as a free agent anyways, became the odd man out in the back of the revamped Indy secondary.
Blackmon was effective as both a ballhawk with 10 career interceptions, as well as an run-stopping enforcer, showcasing the ability to dish out big hits at times.
If he ultimately does sign with the Saints, we wish him well in New Orleans, as he’ll have some pretty big shoes to fill down there from a leadership standpoint.
