With Indianapolis Colts’ safety Julian Blackmon set to be a free agent this offseason, what could his next contract end up looking like?
Pro Football Focus has recently put together a projection for Blackmon and the other top 100 free agents this offseason.
According to PFF, they are projecting that Blackmon lands a three-year deal with $21 million. This includes $11 million guaranteed.
If Blackmon’s actual contract does land in this ballpark, his average annual contract value of $7 million would make him the 20th highest-paid safety in 2025 and he would rank 22nd in guaranteed money at the position.
This contract projection, in terms of years, total value, and guarantees looks similar to what the Jacksonville Jaguars gave Darnell Savage last offseason.
After a career year in 2023 as the Colts’ strong safety, Blackmon transitioned back to free safety early in the season because of a shoulder injury that he sustained in Week 1.
The hope was that this move would keep Blackmon on the field this season, which it did. He will, however, now require surgery on the shoulder this offseason.
Overall in 2024, Blackmon’s numbers this season compared to last were down, which in part, was a product of the position change, and I would think to some degree, the shoulder played a factor as well.
Blackmon finished the year with 84 tackles, three interceptions, and one pass breakup, while allowing 16.8 yards per catch in coverage.
With only Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo as the only safeties currently under contract for the 2025 season, depth is very much a need for the Colts.
However, so is improved play as GM Chris Ballard mentioned, so perhaps this ends up being a situation where the Colts look to bolster this position group elsewhere–since the emphasis seems to be on bringing in added competition throughout the roster–rather than committing a three-year deal to Blackmon.
Last offseason, Blackmon explored the free agent market before ultimately re-signing with the Colts on a one-year deal after not liking the options that were out there.
The Colts rank 18th in cap space at the moment with just over $28 million, although they have the means to create a lot more room.
