The defensive unit of the New Orleans Saints experienced a setback this Tuesday, as Tyrann Mathieu, a safety who has been selected for the Pro Bowl on three occasions, revealed his decision to step away from the sport at the age of 33. However, the Saints acted swiftly to secure a substitute. According to sources at NFL Media, New Orleans is in the process of enlisting Julian Blackmon, previously a safety for the Indianapolis Colts.
During the previous season, Blackmon agreed to a one-year extension with Indianapolis, during which he accumulated 86 total tackles, defended against four passes, and intercepted three, all while managing a shoulder injury. Blackmon has successfully intercepted the ball seven times across the last two seasons, a notable increase from the three interceptions he achieved in his initial three seasons in the NFL.
Saints DB Tyrann Mathieu announces NFL retirement, ‘Honey Badger’ ends 12-year pro career
Will Backus
Blackmon, chosen in the third round of the 2020 draft from Utah, has yet to complete a full season due to injuries. However, he participated in 16 games the previous year, which marks the highest number of appearances in his career. Blackmon suffered an ACL tear during the 2019 Pac-12 championship game and also tore his Achilles tendon during a practice session in his second NFL season in 2021. Over his 66 career games, Blackmon has amassed 300 combined tackles, defended against 21 passes, and intercepted 10 passes.
Upon joining New Orleans, Blackmon will be part of a safety group that includes Justin Reid, acquired during free agency, Jonas Sanker from Virginia, a third-round draft pick, and Jordan Howden. The Saints had a challenging season last year, finishing with a 5-12 record, representing their highest number of losses in a single season since the 2005 campaign, where they went 3-13.
The season was largely defined by injuries, as New Orleans became the first team in the history of the NFL to suffer seven consecutive losses after starting the season with two victories by margins of over 20 points. The defensive unit conceded an average of 379.9 total offensive yards per game, ranking as the third-highest in the NFL.
