The Indianapolis Colts are re-signing safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year deal after he sepnt a few weeks on the market in NFL free agency.
Blackmon, 25, was a third-round pick with the Colts during the 2020 NFL Draft and has been a starter essentially the entire time he's been with the team. Though he's dealt with some injuries, Blackmon switched to the strong safety position during the 2023 offseason and thrived.
The news was first reported by Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
BREAKING: Free agent safety Julian Blackmon is re-signing with the #Colts on a 1-year deal, per sources.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 2, 2024
Blackmon comes off a career season with Indy — amassing 4 INTs, 5 TFLs and 8 PBUs. pic.twitter.com/YKW3ojdPlw
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.
The safety position was arguably the Colts' biggest need coming out of free agency and while Blackmon coming back on a one-year deal doesn't totally quell those concerns, it does give them a short-term starting option at the strong safety spot.
It's likely the Colts will enter the 2024 NFL Draft with Blackmon and third-year safety Nick Cross as the starting tandem.
