Julian Blackmon: Everything you need to know

The Saints re-signed Blackmon (shoulder) on a one-year deal Tuesday, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports. The 27-year-old from Utah signed a one-year deal with the Saints last offseason but played in just one game in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. Blackmon appeared in 16 games for the Colts in 2024, recording 86 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, and four passes defensed, including three interceptions. Now back with the Saints, the veteran safety will likely start alongside Justin Reid in 2026.

The Saints placed Blackmon (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The first-year Saint sustained a torn labrum in the Week 1 loss to the Cardinals, so it's no surprise he moved to IR on Saturday. Blackmon was one of New Orleans' top defensive playmakers in Week 1, recording seven total tackles and one pass defended across 61 defensive snaps. With Blackmon likely out for the remainder of the season, Jonas Sanker projects to start at free safety.

Blackmon will undergo surgery to address the shoulder injury he suffered during Sunday's 20-13 loss versus the Cardinals, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Blackmon was feared to have suffered a torn labrum after he left New Orleans' regular-season debut early, and now it looks like he'll miss extended time as he recovers. In his absence, rookie third-rounder Jonas Sanker becomes a candidate to start at safety next to Justin Reid.