Jan. 20, 2026, 1:36 p.m. CT
Here we go. The New Orleans Saints got started on their 2026 free agency class by re-signing veteran safety Julian Blackmon, who played well as their Week 1 starter before going down with a season-ending injury. He figures to compete with second-year draft pick Jonas Sanker for the starting job next to Justin Reid; Reid’s $11.55 million salary cap hit and $9.25 million in guaranteed salary ensures he’ll be in the starting lineup again in 2026.
Blackmon had seven tackles (four solo) and a pass deflection in Week 1, but it wasn’t to last. He was diagnosed with a season-ending shoulder injury after the adrenaline wore off once he got home from the game. It was a real shame to see him go down so soon. Bringing him back with experience in Brandon Staley’s system on a low-cost deal is a good move. The Saints announced that Blackmon’s contract is a one-year extension, so it probably won’t make much of an impact on their salary cap outlook.
Other safeties under contract with the Saints for 2026 include Jordan Howden, the former sixth-round draft pick entering a contract year, as well as Elliott Davison and Beanie Bishop, both returning from the practice squad. Terrell Burgess is a free agent after logging 115 snaps on defense and 205 on special teams. Re-signing Blackmon won’t stop the Saints from drafting Ohio State Buckeyes star Caleb Downs if he happens to be the best player available in the 2026 NFL Draft, but it does bump the need for another safety down this offseason’s list of priorities.
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