here we go. The New Orleans Saints opened their 2026 free agency class by re-signing veteran safety Julian Blackmon, who performed well in his Week 1 start before suffering a season-ending injury. He’s expected to compete with second-year draft pick Jonas Sanker for the starting job next to Justin Reid; Reid’s $11.55 million salary cap hit and $9.25 million guaranteed salary ensures he’ll be in the starting lineup again in 2026.
Blackmon had seven tackles (four solo) and a pass deflection in Week 1, but that didn’t last long. After returning home from the game, the adrenaline wore off and he was diagnosed with a season-ending shoulder injury. It’s such a shame to see him go down so quickly. Bringing him back into Brandon Staley’s system on a low-cost deal and gain experience is a good move. The Saints announced a one-year extension on Blackmon’s contract, so it likely won’t have much of an impact on their salary cap prospects.
Other safeties under contract with the Saints through 2026 include former sixth-round draft pick Jordan Howden, who is entering a contract year, and Elliott Davidson and Beanie Bishop, who are returning from the practice squad. Terrell Burgess, who had 115 snaps on defense and 205 snaps on special teams, is a free agent. Re-signing Blackmon wouldn’t prevent the Saints from drafting Ohio State Buckeyes star Caleb Downs (if he happens to be the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft), but it does reduce the offseason need for another safety.
advertise
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL Free Agency Rumors: Saints re-sign veteran safety Julian Blackmon