The New Orleans Saints didn't wait long to bring back a veteran face who spent the majority of the 2025 season on the mend.
The team announced Tuesday that it had signed veteran safety Julian Blackmon to a 1-year extension, the first major announcement as the team begins to dig into its offseason decisions.
Blackmon was a late addition to the Saints as they went into training camp following the surprise retirement of Tyrann Mathieu. The xx-year-old, a favorite of DC Brandon Staley going back to his time at Utah, slotted in immediately as the starter alongside veteran Justin Reid and had a strong performance throughout camp and showed to be a ballhawk with multiple interceptions.
That strong performance carried into the regular season with 7 tackles and a pass defensed in a close loss to the Cardinals, but after the game it was discovered he had suffered a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. From there it was Jonas Sanker's job, with the rookie performing well over 16 starts and rolling up 80 tackles, 6 passes defensed, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Saints' pass defense rated well in most metrics and they were the only NFL team to not allow a 100-yard receiver all year.
Blackmon's return could lead to an interesting offseason competition at the safety spot and strong depth at the position, if nothing else. It also provides a potential answer depending on what happens with Alontae Taylor's contract. The former second-round pick manned the "star" position in Staley's defense, otherwise known as the nickel corner, but is entering free agency. If Taylor does not return the Saints would have to find a replacement in that important role, with both Sanker and Blackmon seeming to be potential candidates in 2026.
Blackmon will likely have to pick a new number for next season, with his No. 28 being taken over by rookie LB Danny Stutsman midway through the season. He wore No. 32 during his time with the Colts, though that number was worn by punter Kai Kroeger last year.
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The Saints have a handful of other free agent decisions to make along with Taylor, but not many who will command multi-year extensions. The Saints will have to decide whether to retain a trio of aging veterans in QB Taysom Hill, LB Demario Davis and DE Cam Jordan, all on expiring deals. Both Davis and Jordan had highly productive seasons and have expressed the desire to continue playing with the Saints.
The biggest contract talks, though, will center around WR Chris Olave, who is entering a 5th year option season but could be extended prior to 2026.
We break down many of those contract questions on the latest episode of WWL Radio's Inside Black & Gold podcast. Check it out here.