The New Orleans Saints are making moves to strengthen their defense ahead of the new NFL season. With veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu now retired, the team is looking at free agent Julian Blackmon as a possible replacement, according to sources close to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
While no deal has been signed yet, talks between Blackmon and the Saints are said to be progressing.
Saints Need Experience in the Safety Position
With Mathieu gone, the Saints have a big gap to fill in the secondary. Head coach Kellen Moore and new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley are hoping to add experience and talent to a defense that has already seen several changes this offseason.
The Saints previously signed safety Justin Reid to a three-year deal worth $10.5 million per season. But behind Reid, the team lacks veteran depth. Current options include J.T. Gray, who mostly plays on special teams, Ugo Amadi, who started five games last year, Terrell Burgess, recently signed after recovering from injury, and third-year player Jordan Howden.
Blackmon Still One of the Best Available Free Agent Safeties
Julian Blackmon, 26, was a third-round draft pick and remains one of the top safeties left in free agency. He returned to the Colts last season on a one-year, under-$4 million contract, hoping for a strong performance that would earn him a long-term deal in 2025.
However, Blackmon’s season didn’t go as planned. A torn labrum in the season opener limited his effectiveness, even though he still managed to play a career-high 16 games. He recorded 86 tackles and three interceptions, proving he could still make an impact despite playing through injury.
In January, Blackmon admitted that the injury affected his overall game, saying it “impacted me greatly.” But his ability to perform through adversity shows his toughness and reliability.
Changes Continue in the Saints’ Secondary
The Saints are undergoing a major rebuild in their secondary. Along with Mathieu’s retirement, the team also lost key cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore (traded to the Washington Commanders) and Paulson Adebo (signed with the New York Giants).
Coach Moore acknowledged the changes and said the team is prepared to adapt. “That’s what the NFL is—adjustments. Whether it’s players or strategies, you’ve got to be ready,” Moore said.
Blackmon’s Versatility Could Be Key for the Saints
One of Blackmon’s strengths is his versatility. He played both cornerback and safety in college and has switched roles multiple times in the NFL. He began his pro career at free safety, moved to strong safety in 2023 (where he played his best football), and then back to free safety due to team needs.
His ability to play both safety positions is especially valuable in Brandon Staley’s system, which may offer more freedom and responsibility to safeties compared to the Colts’ previous single-high safety system.
Saints Have the Cap Room to Make It Happen
Thanks to Mathieu’s retirement, the Saints now have $23.8 million in available cap space. This gives them enough financial flexibility to make a competitive offer to Blackmon and finalize the deal if talks go well.
As the Saints continue to adjust to a new era of defense under coach Kellen Moore and coordinator Brandon Staley, the possible signing of Julian Blackmon could be a smart move. He brings experience, versatility, and proven toughness—all key qualities for a defense looking to rebuild after key losses.
With talks ongoing and cap space available, fans may soon see Blackmon wearing a Saints jersey and stepping into the important role left by Tyrann Mathieu.
