Julian

Blackmon

The Saints are still conducting more tests to confirm the severity of Blackmon’s injury, but Rapoport reports the sixth-year safety could be looking at season-ending surgery if the worst is confirmed. The Saints signed Blackmon to a one-year deal this offseason after he was let go by the Colts at the end of last season, and he made the start for the Saints on Sunday against the Cards, appearing on 66 defensive snaps while totaling seven tackles and one pass breakup. We’ll know more about the specifics of his injury soon, but it would be a tough blow to a defense that’s already expected to face its share of struggles this season.

Blackmon remains un-signed as one of the better safeties left on the market. A five-year starter for the Colts, he intercepted three passes and broke up four more in 16 games last season. His 73.5 PFF coverage grade ranked No. 23 among safeties last season and would boost a Saints secondary that just lost Tyrann Mathieu to retirement.

Blackmon, a former third-round pick, has been a five-year starter for the Colts. Last season, he started in all 16 games he appeared in, notching three interceptions and four pass breakups while also totaling 86 tackles. He’s appeared in 31 of a possible 34 regular season games over the last two seasons and will be 27 at the start of next season. The Panthers continue to look for ways to improve a defense that ranked 32nd in points allowed and touchdown passes allowed. Blackmon earned a PFF coverage grade of 73.5 last season and would give them a solid starter on the back end if the two sides can agree to a deal.

Blackmon didn’t practice this week, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise. Per head coach Shane Steichen, DT DeForest Buckner (back) has a chance to play. Both he and EDGE Kwity Paye (hamstring) are questionable for Week 2. Even with a weakened pass-rush, the Colts should be able to get home on Malik Willis more than a few times.

Buckner tends to play through injuries, having yet to miss a game since signing with the Colts in 2020, and has experience managing a back injury in the past. Regarding this issue, Buckner said it is “pretty much the same thing” he dealt with last season, referencing his Week 4, 2023 appearance on the injury report. If active, Buckner fortuitously frequently lines up over the Packers’ weak point at right guard which bodes positively for the Colts’ fantasy D/ST unit. S Julian Blackmon (shoulder) and DE Kwity Paye (hamstring) were likewise unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

The 25-year-old Blackmon has spent four years with the Colts thus far, starting 15 games for them last season. He nabbed four interceptions while tallying eight passes defended and five tackles for loss. Blackmon had a career year, but in a loaded safety market, he didn’t find much interest for a longer-term deal. Though he visited teams like the Bills and 49ers, Blackmon now finds himself back with the Colts on a one-year pact.

Blackmon met with the Bills last week and has “several suitors,” according to Schultz. Blackmon totaled four interceptions, 88 tackles, and five TFLs for the Colts last season in what was arguably the best year of his career. While it’s possible a deal between Blackmon and the 49ers gets done, it wouldn’t be surprising if he met with a few more teams before settling on a landing spot.

Buffalo already lost safety Jordan Poyer to the Dolphins, and Micah Hyde is currently a free agent who seems unlikely to return to the team. According to Schultz, Blackmon “has several suitors” this free agency cycle after he totaled four interceptions, 88 tackles, and five TFLs in 2023 while also breaking up eight passes. It was a career year for Blackmon, who will be 26 at the start of next season and could make an immediate impact on a defense desperate for help in the secondary. Blackmon would walk into a significant role with the Bills if the two sides can agree to a deal.

The move means Blackmon will be out the final two weeks of the regular season but could return if the Colts make a deep run in the playoffs. It’s a big blow for the Colts defense as Blackmon was in the midst of a career year in the final year of his rookie deal. The 25-year-old moved to strong safety this season full-time and collected career high four interceptions, eight pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, 88 tackles and five tackles for loss. The team signed safety Henry Black off its practice squad to fill Blackmon’s place on the active roster.

Blackmon was initially questionable to return, but is now officially out for the rest of the game against the Falcons. He is a key every-snap starter for the Colts at safety and his loss is a hit to the defense. Blackmon will look to nurse his shoulder back to health for Week 17 while Nick Cross fills in for him.