Colts' Versatile Free Agent Considered Among Best Still Available

Whether fans would like to admit it or not, the Indianapolis Colts have been quite active in free agency ... technically. They've just prioritized their own players.

The team has given new deals to 11 current Colts this offseason and added two outside free agents in quarterback Joe Flacco and defensive tackle Raekwon Davis.

However, one of their internal free agents, safety Julian Blackmon, is still floating out there. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report considers Blackmon among the best available players and who still fits the Colts well:

Unlike most of the free agents you will find on this list, Julian Blackmon is still squarely in his prime. He won't turn 26 until just before the season starts in August.

He's also coming off the best year of his career.

Blackmon started 15 games for the Colts last season amassing career-highs for interceptions (four), tackles (88) and passes defended (eight). His passer rating allowed plummeted to just 46.6.

Yet, the young safety is still looking for work.

Stephen Holder of ESPN has provided some updates on that front. The Indianapolis Colts have "re-engaged" the safety in contract negotiations. Perhaps, the fact that he has gone this long without a contract could grease the skids for a return.

However, Holder also noted that he has visited with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. After losing both Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde this offseason, the Bills seem like a particularly good fit.

The Giants weren't mentioned but are a logical fit as well. With Xavier McKinney leaving in free agency, New York could continue investing in its defense by making a move for Blackmon.

Potential Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants

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Not only is Blackmon still a fit for the Colts, but they need him as the roster currently stands, or at least another safety of a similar skill level. But they ought to act fast because there is interest in Blackmon around the league following visits with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.

As Ballentine mentioned, Blackmon is coming off of a career year, reaching personal single-season bests in tackles (88), tackles for loss (5), fumbles recovered (2), interceptions (4), and pass breakups (8). Although he has dealt with injuries throughout his career, he tied for the most games played in a season in 2023 (15) before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 16.

Even at just 25, Blackmon is a four-year vet and is far and away the best, most trustworthy option the Colts have at safety. He's also capable of playing each of free and strong safety as well as the nickel at a high level.

Outside of Blackmon, Rodney Thomas II (25 career starts) and Nick Cross (4 career starts) are the only other Colts safeties who have been trusted as starters, but Thomas was ultimately replaced in the lineup late last season and Cross is still a big question mark. The team also has Daniel Scott, Trevor Denbow, Marcel Dabo, Kendell Brooks, and Michael Tutsie on the roster, but none are yet to be considered reasonable starting options. Ronnie Harrison Jr. is also an option at strong safety, but the Colts prefer him at weakside linebacker.

Based on other free-agent safety signings this offseason, Blackmon may wind up making anywhere from $4-6 million per year on his next deal.

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