Saints safety Julian Blackmon has versatility to fit new defense

The safety spot for the New Orleans Saints has undergone a metamorphosis this offseason.

Eight-year veteran Justin Reid arrived via free agency. Then, somewhat unexpectedly, 12-year vet Tyrann Mathieu — a key figure in the Black and Gold over the past three seasons — retired. But like any successful operation, the Saints already had an eye on the future and a plan in place.

On July 22, six-year veteran safety Julian Blackmon was added to the 2025 roster. The 6-foot, 202-pound addition has played in 66 NFL games with 62 starts, recording 300 tackles, 21 passes defended, 13 tackles for loss, and 10 interceptions.

“I had conversations with the Saints throughout the offseason,” Blackmon said, describing his path to the Big Easy. “I was just waiting for the best opportunity. I’ve been really close to Coach (Brandon) Staley since I was entering the 2020 NFL Draft. I had been talking to him when he was with the Rams (defensive coordinator). Then he went to the 49ers (assistant head coach). When he arrived with the Saints, he told me, ‘I’ve been trying to get you.'”

In 2020, under Staley’s watch, the Rams’ defense ranked first in the NFL in both points allowed and yards allowed.

“I love Staley’s energy. I love what he has to offer,” Blackmon continued. “I love the guys on defense. There’s a lot of opportunity on the defensive side. I felt like this was the best fit for me.”

Blackmon, who turns 27 on August 26, earned a 69.3 Pro Football Focus overall grade in 2024. An example of his impact came on September 24, 2023, when he recorded 12 tackles to help the Colts edge past the Ravens in overtime, 22–19. Over the past two seasons, he’s totaled 174 tackles, with seven of his 10 career interceptions coming during that span.

He flashed his playmaking skills during the first week of Saints training camp, intercepting a Jake Haener pass — an effort that drew a raucous celebration from Brandon Staley.

“I’ve been waiting five years!” Staley exalted, validating Blackmon’s baptism into the Saints secondary.

“It always feels good to be valued, to feel wanted,” Blackmon said with a satisfied smile. “To be able to play for a guy who has wanted me — it feels great. Every time I think I make a mistake, he tells me, ‘You’re fine. This is what I see.’ So it’s easy to keep moving forward knowing that he has my back.”

Mathieu — affectionately known as the “Honey Badger” — was a local legend, starring at St. Augustine High School and later at LSU, where he was a Heisman finalist. He became a Super Bowl champion (LIV), a three-time First Team All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler, and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2010s. He leaves big shoes to fill.

“I wouldn’t say I’m replacing him,” Blackmon said. “He’s a Hall of Famer. I think I’m just holding the standard. I’m doing the best I can to uphold the standard he set.”

“I’ve been very comfortable — the guys are great, the coaches are great. They’ve made it easy to find my way. There are good leaders here. It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed being here.”

The timing of the move — combined with a new coaching staff and defensive scheme — appears to be an ideal situation for Blackmon.

“We were talking prior to Mathieu’s retirement,” he said. “I felt really comfortable with the team, and Tyrann’s retirement just so happened. It wasn’t like we were waiting on Tyrann. Even if he had still been here, he would have been someone to learn from.”

There was consideration from the Rams to select Blackmon in the 2020 NFL Draft. But when their third-round pick arrived at No. 84, Los Angeles selected Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis. Blackmon was picked next — 85th overall — by the Indianapolis Colts.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore has been impressed with what he’s seen from Blackmon so far.

“It’s really special to see him out there. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity. He had a big play in the red zone — the interception. We feel fortunate he was available. He’ll be a big part of the process. He’s a big-time player.”

The Layton, Utah native has played both strong and free safety. Staley expects his safeties to show versatility and make impact plays.

“He plays in a defense that is very visionary, creating turnovers — and quarterbacks don’t like that,” Blackmon said of the Saints’ defensive approach. “We’re here to get the ball back to the offense and be opportunistic.”

Blackmon is eager to develop chemistry with fellow safety Justin Reid. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid has amassed 580 tackles, 46 passes defended, and 10 interceptions.

“I love Justin Reid. I love what he brings to the table. He’s an enforcer. He’s aggressive. Having a guy like that who you can rely on is a safety blanket. He’s also very communicative. He’s helped me with a better understanding.”

Blackmon brings a combination of size and speed and plays with a physical edge. He shows excellent recognition of receiver routes and weaves through blockers to locate the ball. He’s also a fierce hitter in space and will crash the alley from the safety spot.

“You have to understand everything defensively when you arrive from a different team,” he explained. “You may have similar calls, but they can have completely different meanings. Getting the verbiage down is important. There are caveats I’m not used to, so I’ve been learning.”

Julian has overcome multiple setbacks throughout his career — a torn Achilles in 2021, a torn ACL in the 2019 Pac-12 title game at Utah, and a right shoulder injury in the 2024 season opener. Still, he managed to play in 15 games last season.

“Taking the ball away, forcing turnovers, communicating — those are my strong suits,” he said. “I’m really good at understanding route concepts, knowing where the quarterback wants to go with the ball. I know who needs help and when. Because I’ve played every position, it’s easier for me to communicate with the guys in the secondary. I’m more of a free safety, so I can see a lot of things in front of me and tell guys around me what I’m diagnosing.”

The Saints are hopeful that a high standard of performance continues at the safety position in 2025.