The Carolina Panthers could target free agent safety Julian Blackmon before the regular season this upcoming campaign. Blackmon is probably the best available safety in the market, and after visiting the Panthers in April, he could finally sign with the team on a cost-effective contract. The safety is also the youngest safety, so his career is far from over, and there could be an opportunity where the Panthers sign him to pair with Trevon Moehrig. Nick Scott doesn’t have any upside to become the team’s long-term starter, and it’s clear that Blackmon is the perfect fit.
After recording 62 solo tackles, four pass deflections, three interceptions and a fumble recovery in 16 games, the safety may sign a long-term deal in the near future. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Utah product spent his entire NFL career with the Colts, so this is the first time he is a free agent. Blackmon won’t change around an entire secondary department, but he has a lot to provide at a young age for a team that needs a fresh unit. The Panthers won’t be the only path that Blackmon could be a part of, but these four teams could give some type of opportunity in time for the 2025 regular season.
REPORT: Panthers Could Target Former Third Rounder Julian Blackmon – 4 Teams May Intervene
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Ar’Darius Washington, the Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a safety to salvage the unit. 2025 draft pick Malaki Starks has a lot of upside to be the starter for this defensive roster, but time can only tell if that’s true. The Ravens could take a chance on Blackmon to pair with one of the best safeties in the league, Kyle Hamilton.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints may need the depth to help support Tyrann Mathieu. After taking a pay cut this offseason, the team was able to afford Justin Reid to finally bring some relief to the secondary unit. While they’re on a hunt for a cornerback, they could benefit from adding someone like Blackmon as a rotational safety.
Dallas Cowboys
Since Donovan Wilson is entering the final year of his contract, the Dallas Cowboys could be moving away from him unless he has a breakout season with the team. Malik Hooker should be on lock to be the long-term starter, but other than the cornerback unit, they could finally use the upgrade they needed in these past seasons. Blackmon gives no guarantees, but he has a lot of upside to prove otherwise. The safety might not fix this entire pass secondary, but he could be their new long-term fixture that they were missing.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite signing Mike Edwards, the Kansas City Chiefs need more stability in their safety unit. They lost Justin Reid during free agency, and that should be a huge deal for this pass secondary, even though Trent McDuffie stepped up in a huge way last season. Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks have a lot of upside, but they’re unproven, so it’s better late than never to add a safety like Blackmon to give some further insurance.
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