The New Orleans Saints are currently negotiating to sign free agent safety Julian Blackmon as a replacement for the recently retired Tylan Matthew, according to sources speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. While the deal is still in the discussion phase and not yet finalized, the Saints are actively pursuing this addition.
This offseason has seen the Saints bolster their defense under new coordinator Brandon Staley, with safety Justin Reid being the headline signing on a three-year, $10.5 million per year contract at the start of free agency. Blackmon, once a third-round pick, remains one of the top safeties available. After an underwhelming free agency last year, he signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts for under $4 million, hoping to prove his worth in 2025 and secure a longer-term contract. Unfortunately, an early-season injury affected his performance and trajectory.
At 26 years old, Blackmon managed to play a career-high 16 games despite the injury, recording three interceptions and 86 tackles, contributing to the Colts’ defense stability amid challenges with a young and injury-prone secondary. Initially, Reid and Matthew were set to anchor Staley’s safety lineup this year, but Matthew’s retirement has left the Saints with limited safety depth.
Veteran JT Gray plays a key special teams role, Terrell Burgess was signed after being waived by the Buffalo Bills, and Ugo Amadi returned after starting five games last season. Third-year player Jordan Howden also started twice in 2024. The Saints’ secondary has further changed with the departures of cornerbacks Martian Lattimore (now with Washington Commanders) and Paulson Adebo (signed with the New York Giants).
Saints coach Kellen Moore stressed the importance of adaptability in the NFL, highlighting the young players’ hard work throughout the offseason and expressing optimism about their growth. The team had $23.8 million in cap space available before Matthew’s retirement.
Blackmon has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, initially playing cornerback in college before switching to free safety during his first three NFL seasons. The Colts shifted him to strong safety in 2023, where he excelled, but he returned to free safety this past season due to team needs. Over five seasons, Blackmon has accumulated 10 interceptions and 300 tackles.
Fan Take: For NFL fans, the Saints’ pursuit of Julian Blackmon signals a crucial step in retooling a young and evolving secondary, especially after key departures. Blackmon’s addition could provide much-needed experience and versatility, potentially strengthening New Orleans’ defense and impacting their competitiveness in upcoming seasons.
