Colts free agent safety Julian Blackmon surprisingly has yet to find a new NFL home…
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Indianapolis Colts free agent safety Julian Blackmon still remains one of their top available players—coming in as the 12th best available free agent overall:
12. Julian Blackmon, S
2024 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age entering 2025 season: 27
Blackmon had three interceptions in 2024, and he has seven over the past two seasons. There’s post and deep-half range on his tape, which fits in every system. He also has 85-plus tackles in each of the past two seasons.
When healthy, the former 2020 3rd round pick of the Colts has been a solid starter in the backend of the Indy secondary. Still only 26-years-old, it’s a bit surprising that Blackmon remains unsigned, especially as part of an open starting safety competition elsewhere.
After the Colts signed former Minnesota Vikings free agent safety Camryn Bynum in free agency, the writing appeared to be on the wall that Blackmon wouldn’t be returning in Indianapolis—as the Horseshoe revamped its secondary under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with some fresh faces (also including cornerback Charvarius Ward).
With Blackmon more comfortable playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where young breakout starter Nick Cross played last season, and there no longer appeared to be an easy opening at either starting safety spot for the Colts.
Blackmon did reportedly visit the Carolina Panthers as a free agent earlier this offseason.
If Blackmon hangs out there for too long, could the Colts be interested in re-signing him as a backup at a reduced rate? I still think that ship has likely still sailed, but he would be a proven upgrade to current backups Rodney Thomas II and Daniel Scott for what it’s worth.
Earlier this offseason, Spotrac projected Blackmon to receive a 3-year, $24 million free agent deal, but he may have to take a one-year flyer to rebuild his full value again.