The Indianapolis Colts are re-signing safety Julian Blackmon to a one-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz on Bleacher Report. The 2020 third-round pick out of Utah has spent his entire four-year career with the Colts and has played in 50 games. He has tallied 214 tackles (163 solo), one sack, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, 17 passes defended, and 14.5 run stuffs thus far. Blackmon earned a 68.3 PFF grade in 2023, the best of his career.
Free-agent safety Julian Blackmon is visiting with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, according to sources. Blackmon has several suitors this offseason after enjoying a career season in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts, which included 88 tackles (65 solo) five tackles for loss, four interceptions, eight passes defended and two fumble recoveries in 15 starts. He finished as the No. 26 defensive back in IDP fantasy leagues in his fourth year in the NFL after the Colts took him in the third round (85th overall) in 2020 out of Utah. The 25-year-old missed the final two games of the year due to a shoulder injury and was a big part of the Colts' defensive success last year. Blackmon is still a candidate to re-sign with the Colts, but he's drawing plenty of interest around the league.
Free-agent safety Julian Blackmon will visit with the Buffalo Bills, according to sources. Blackmon has several suitors in free agency after enjoying a career season in 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts, recording career-highs in tackles (88), solo tackles (65), interceptions (four) and passes defended (eight) while also recovering two fumbles in 15 starts in his fourth year with the team. The 25-year-old was taken in the third round by the Colts in 2020 out of Utah and has contributed 214 tackles (163 solo), one sack, 12 tackles for loss, seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 17 passes defended, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his 50 games played (46 starts). The Bills already lost Jordan Poyer and are unlikely to re-sign Micah Hyde, so safety is a big need for their defense this offseason.
Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon is being moved to strong safety this year, where his instincts and tackling ability might be seen on a more regular basis. The permanent move of Blackmon to strong safety also allows the Colts to keep last year's seventh-rounder, Rodney Thomas II, on the field at free safety after his surprising rookie season. Blackmon was around the ball during organized team activities, a sign that he still has the playmaking ability the Colts drafted him for in the third round in 2020. Indy's defense changed from a split safety to single-high safety concept last year, which made Blackmon less impactful at his former position. The 24-year-old still had a career-high 50 tackles (36 solo), one sack, an interception returned for a TD and a fumble recovery in 14 games (11 starts) in 2022.
The Indianapolis Colts didn't place an injury designation on safety Julian Blackmon (Achilles) to begin training camp, which is an excellent sign after coming off a torn Achilles last year. Blackmon played in only six games for the Colts last year due to his injury and finished with 34 tackles (27 solo) and a forced fumble, but he'll be ready to get going for the start of camp this summer. The 23-year-old is expected to open the season in a rotational role in the Colts secondary, but he could earn a bigger role eventually if he remains healthy, depending on how third-round rookie Nick Cross performs in his first season.
Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (Achilles), who was limited to just six games last year due to a ruptured Achilles, isn't practicing in full yet with the team at organized team activities, but he expects to have few limitations when training camp starts in July. Blackmon isn't a rush to get back to full speed, and the Colts will likely monitor his repetitions at training camp. However, barring a setback this summer, all signs point to the 23-year-old being ready to go for Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Before is injury last year, Blackmon had 34 tackles (27 solo), two tackles for loss and a forced fumble, and he could be a difference-maker for the Colts secondary over a full season in his third NFL campaign.
Julian Blackmon Goes On IR, Quenton Nelson Activated
The Indianapolis Colts placed safety Julian Blackmon (Achilles) on Injured Reserve on Saturday and activated offensive guard Quenton Nelson (ankle) from IR in a corresponding move. The team also elevated wide receiver Keke Coutee and safety Josh Jones to the active roster from the practice squad for Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. Blackmon tore his Achilles in practice on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season. Nelson will be returning from a high ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 3. The 25-year-old All-Pro will be a welcomed addition to the Colts offensive line against a tough 49ers defense this week.
Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles during Wednesday's practice and will miss the rest of the season. He went down with an injury in Wednesday's practice, and after further evaluation, the Colts announced that the 23-year-old tore his Achilles. This is a significant blow to the Colts' defense as Blackmon started all six games this season and had a vital role in their secondary. He racked up 34 tackles, one pass defense, and a forced fumble. Blackmon will look to rehab and focus on getting healthy for the 2022 season. Khari Willis, Andrew Sendejo, and George Odum are the only other active safeties on the Colts roster.
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has mentioned that rookie safety Julian Blackmon (knee) isn't likely to contribute until October, which would put him at around 10 months removed from his torn ACL. That means Blackmon could be a candidate to open the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Even when he's healthy, though, Malik Hooker and Khari Willis should start at safety, which will allow the Colts to ease their third-round pick into action.
The Indianapolis Colts used pick No. 85 to select Utah safety Julian Blackmon in the 2020 NFL draft. Blackmon is a former cornerback who transitioned to safety ahead of his senior season at Utah and won first-team All-PAC honors for his efforts after posting 60 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. Blackmon injured his knee in December, which caused him to fall down draft boards and allowed the Colts to snag him in the third round. His combination of speed, size and excellent coverage skills make him a potential first-year starter in Indy.
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