One former Indianapolis Colts’ defender is among the best available free agents after minicamp.
Former Indianapolis Colts’ safety Julian Blackmon is one of NFL.com’s best available free agents at this point in the offseason.
Prior to free agency beginning, NFL.com put together its list of the top 100 best available free agents at that time. Blackmon came in at No. 88 in that original ranking, and is now one of 14 players from that list who still remains unsigned.
“Blackmon started 16 games for the Colts last season despite tearing his rotator cuff in Week 1,” wrote Gregg Rosenthal. “He’s settled into a strong career as a starting safety.”
Blackmon put together a career season in 2023 as the Colts’ strong safety. However, after testing the free agent market during the 2024 offseason, Blackmon ended up back with the Colts on a one-year deal.
As Rosenthal mentioned, Blackmon fought through a shoulder injury almost the entire season. To limit contact, he was moved from strong safety to free safety early in the year.
Production-wise, Blackmon’s productivity dipped last season. In part, when not as close to the line of scrimmage, there are going to be fewer opportunities, in some respects, but one would also think that the shoulder injury was some sort of factor as well.
Blackmon finished the 2024 season with 84 total tackles, according to PFF. He allowed a completion rate of 65% on 23 targets at 16.8 yards per catch and had three interceptions and one pass breakup.
The Colts would sign free agent Cam Bynum this offseason to pair with Nick Cross and solidify that position. While a reunion with Blackmon isn’t in the cards, the safety depth for the Colts is a big unknown. Rodney Thomas’ role was significantly reduced in 2024, and no one else on the roster–outside of the three players just mentioned–has any NFL experience.