The New Orleans Saints didn’t wait long to respond to the retirement of hometown hero Tyrann Mathieu. Just one day after Mathieu made his NFL retirement official, the team announced the signing of former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $5.5 million. The move brings much-needed experience and flexibility to a safety unit suddenly in transition.
Filling a Major Void
Mathieu’s departure leaves not only a leadership vacuum but a significant on-field gap. In his three seasons with the Saints, the New Orleans native provided steady veteran play, leading the team in interceptions each year. His versatility in coverage and instincts as a run defender were major components of the Saints’ secondary identity.
Blackmon isn’t Mathieu, but he brings his own impact to the game. A 2020 third-round pick out of Utah, he started 62 games over five seasons with the Colts, collecting 293 tackles and 10 picks. In 2023, Blackmon posted career highs in tackles (88) and interceptions (4), showcasing his ability to make plays on the ball and remain physical at the point of attack.
What Blackmon Brings
At 26 years old, Blackmon offers the Saints youth and experience. He’s played both safety spots and logged time as a nickel corner, making him a versatile addition to new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme. His ability to read and react quickly in both zone and man coverage allows the Saints to maintain defensive flexibility while grooming younger players like Jordan Howden.
“Blackmon put together a career year in 2023, when the bulk of his playing time came at strong safety,” Colts reporter Paul Bretl said to Saints Wire. “He was a very reliable tackler that year and had good ball production with four interceptions and two pass breakups.”
A Calculated Signing
Blackmon’s one-year, $5.5 million contract represents a low-risk, high-upside move. Coming off a breakout season, he had options but opted to join a Saints team that still expects to compete in the NFC South. The timing of the deal—just as training camp begins—suggests the Saints had anticipated Mathieu’s decision and were prepared to act quickly.
Blackmon will be paired with another Saints offseason acquisition, Justin Reid, a former Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Reid signed a three-year, $31.5 million contract earlier this summer.
Reinforcements All Around
The Saints also added veteran defensive end Jonathan Bullard, further shoring up their depth on defense as camp opens. Bullard has spent nine seasons in the NFL, the last three with the Minnesota Vikings. He started all 17 games for the Vikings, totaling 41 tackles and one sack. He did set career-highs with seven tackles for loss and three pass breakups. These two veteran additions point to a franchise still aiming for a division title rather than entering a rebuild.
Julian Blackmon may not have the star power of Tyrann Mathieu, but he steps into New Orleans with the opportunity to establish himself as a key piece of the Saints’ defense. His signing brings youth, versatility, and a fresh dynamic to the safety group. If he can stay healthy, Blackmon could prove to be one a steal for the Saints.
Saints Move Quickly to Replace Mathieu, Sign Safety Julian Blackmon