The Indianapolis Colts have been active in the NFL’s free agency period, making several moves to strengthen their roster. While it was crucial to re-sign key players such as wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II, another priority was to retain strong safety Julian Blackmon, who had a standout season in 2023. However, according to Jordan Schultz, an NFL Insider for Bleacher Report, there is a possibility that the Colts may not have Blackmon on their roster for the upcoming 2024 season.
On X, Schultz shared the news:
“According to sources, free agent safety Julian Blackmon is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills, as reported by @BleacherReport.
After an impressive season with the Colts, where he recorded 4 interceptions, Blackmon has garnered interest from multiple teams.”
Blackmon had to sit out the last two games of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury. However, prior to that, he displayed excellent defensive performance. In 15 games, Blackmon achieved career-high numbers in tackles (88), interceptions (4), passes defended (8), and tackles for loss (5). His interceptions led the Indianapolis defense, and he played a vital role on the field, often serving as the main communicator in the secondary.
Buffalo appears to be a suitable destination for Blackmon, given the team’s needs. However, it would also make sense for Indianapolis to retain him. With Blackmon primarily playing as a strong safety, it leaves Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II as the options for free safety. While Cross showed promise that justified Indianapolis trading up to acquire him, Thomas demonstrated in 2023 that he may be better suited as a backup. The Colts still have Daniel Scott as a potential safety option if he can avoid further injuries like the ACL tear that prematurely ended his rookie season in 2023. Additionally, recently converted linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr., who originally played as a safety, could also provide depth at the position after playing sparingly in that role in 2023.
It remains to be seen how the Colts will approach the possibility of retaining Blackmon and how his visit with the Bills unfolds. Buffalo is in need of a safety addition to their roster, but the same applies to Indianapolis. It would be seen as a setback if the Colts, who still have over $23 million in cap space, fail to retain Blackmon. Could it be that Blackmon’s contract demands exceed what Indianapolis is willing to offer? All eyes are on Chris Ballard as the Colts navigate through the free agency period.
