The deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, is worth up to $7.7 million and includes $3.2 million guaranteed. It’s a solid deal for both sides. The Colts get a starting caliber strong safety, and Blackmon gets at least one more year under contract.
MORE: NFL mock draft roundups for Colts lean heavily to CB
Grading the Colts signing of Julian Blackmon
Blackmon will return to his role as the starting strong safety opposite third-year defender Nick Cross, who finished the 2023 season as the starter over Rodney Thomas II, who also enters his third season.Blackmon thrived in the switch from free to strong safety in 2023. He wound up putting up career numbers in the new role under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
The Utah product put together a career year recording career-high marks in tackles (88), solo tackles (55), tackles for loss (five), interceptions (four) and passes defensed (eight).According to Pro Football Focus, Blackmon also thrived in coverage. He allowed a 70.5% reception rate and a 57.5 passer rating on 44 targets
This is a big deal for the Colts considering the need they had at the safety position. Though it remains a need, having a starter like Blackmon returning certainly aids the depth chart.
What the Colts will need to be wary of is the injury history. Blackmon has yet to play a full season due to various injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2021. He also failed to finish the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury he suffered.
He didn’t need surgery, and it’s unclear whether he would have been able to return if the Colts made the playoffs.
Overall, the Colts were running out of options to find a viable starting strong safety. Blackmon was the best of the bunch, and his familiarity with Bradley’s system means they avoid a transition period. The one-year deal mitigates risk, but it also shows the future of the position is very much in flux.
