The New Orleans Saints are making strategic moves to enhance their secondary, with reports indicating they are in discussions to sign free agent safety Julian Blackmon. This comes as the team looks to fill the void left by the retirement of Tyrann Mathieu, a significant loss given Mathieu’s experience and leadership on the field.
While a formal deal has yet to be reached, the ongoing discussions signal the Saints’ commitment to strengthening their defense under new coordinator Brandon Staley. This offseason has already seen impactful changes, including the signing of safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal averaging $10.5 million, marking him as one of the top additions to the team’s defensive unit.
Blackmon, a former third-round pick, is among the most promising safeties still available in the market. After a disappointing offseason that led him back to the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year deal capped at under $4 million, he aims to recapture his potential for a more lucrative contract in 2025. However, his aspirations hit a snag when a torn labrum in the season opener derailed his performance. Despite this setback, he demonstrated resilience by participating in a career-high 16 games, even if his performance didn’t entirely meet his expectations.
His stats for the season included three interceptions and 86 tackles, contributing to the Colts’ defense, especially in a year marked by injuries within their secondary. Blackmon’s adaptability and skills were crucial for stabilizing a youthful and frequently injured group.
With the departure of Mathieu, the Saints are now evaluating their safety options closely. The current roster includes veteran J.T. Gray, primarily a special teams player, Terrell Burgess, signed after being waived by the Buffalo Bills, and Ugo Amadi, who started five games last season. Third-year player Jordan Howden also started a couple of games last year, but the Saints find themselves in need of greater experience in the safety position.
As Coach Kellen Moore pointed out, the NFL demands constant adjustments in personnel and strategy. He emphasized the importance of the younger players who have participated in the offseason program, indicating that they have risen to the occasion impressively. The Saints remain hopeful about their roster as they continue to explore additional acquisitions.
With approximately $23.8 million in cap space available before Mathieu’s retirement, the Saints are in a solid position to strengthen their secondary further. Blackmon’s versatility has been a highlight of his career, having transitioned from cornerback to safety during his time in college, and most recently thriving as a strong safety. However, shifting back to free safety for the past season under a single-high safety system limited his impact.
Over his five-year career, Blackmon tallied 10 interceptions and 300 tackles, showcasing a solid track record that the Saints would undoubtedly welcome as they look to bolster their defensive backfield for the upcoming season. As these discussions progress, Blackmon could be the key piece that helps the Saints maintain defensive stability in a time of change.
