Julian Blackmon joins the New Orleans Saints on a signing spree that aims to juice up the back end with youth and athleticism. In a countdown to Week 1, Blackmon, the 26-year-old Utah product, pairs with Justin Reid to form a fresher safety duo after Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement. Blackmon’s versatility—safety with corner instincts and slot potential—gives the Saints a flexible safety Dz that could drive stronger tackle floors and more playmaking in IDP formats. The move signals a shift toward a faster, rangier defense as New Orleans eyes a quick ramp to the 2025 season against the Cardinals.

Blackmon’s career arc has resilience: from Pac-12 ball hawk to Colts contributor, then a return from injuries to a signing that reconfigures a secondary in need of length and instincts. With Reid beside him, the Saints project a young but vibrant back end, setting the tone for a revamped unit that could elevate both pass defense and run support in a league leaning on dynamic safety play. Week 1 looms, and the Arizona matchup is a proving ground for this rebuilt DB corps.