The Saints moved quickly to replace Tyrann Mathieu following the defensive back's surprising retirement.
New Orleans is signing Julian Blackmon, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday evening. Rapoport added Wednesday that Blackmon's deal is for one year and worth up to $5.5 million. The team confirmed signing Blackmon shortly after.
Blackmon, 26, is entering his sixth season in the league, with 300 career tackles, 10 interceptions, 21 passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 66 games played (62 starts) -- all of which came with the Indianapolis Colts.
A third-round pick in the 2020 draft, Blackmon was No. 88 on Gregg Rosenthal's top 101 free agents available, one of two remaining safeties on the list alongside 31-year-old Justin Simmons.
New Orleans opted for the younger option, setting up Blackmon to likely set slot in next to Justin Reid in the defensive outfield.
Blackmon isn't nearly as rangy or dynamic as Mathieu was in his prime, but their recent usage profiles similarly. The former Colt played 874 snaps at free safety, 175 in the box and 50 in the slot last season compared to Mathieu's 700/268/57. His 69.3 overall PFF defensive grade and 73.5 coverage grade were both higher than what the Saints got from their now-retired safety in 2024 (60.5 overall and 57.8 coverage). Mathieu was sturdier against the run, but Blackmon should improve in that regard considering he played all of last year with a torn rotator cuff after sustaining the injury in Indianapolis' season opener.
By signing Blackmon, the Saints have plugged a hole on the same day one was made, allowing them to avoid thrusting third-round rookie Jonas Sanker into immediate action unless he proves ready for it during training camp.
Veterans and rookies only just reported for the Saints, but the team is already making big moves to settle the secondary for the campaign ahead.
