Julian Blackmon

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		67	10	22	307
2025		1	0	1	7
2024		16	3	4	86
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Saints landed a legitimate steal by signing Julian Blackmon to a $2.5M AAV deal, earning a B CVI that reflects outstanding value for a solid starter at safety. Blackmon has established himself as a reliable defensive back who can contribute in multiple coverage schemes, making this contract a shrewd investment for a player performing well above his price point. At just $2.5M annually, New Orleans is paying below-market rates for proven production from a safety who has shown consistent ability to impact games both in coverage and run support. The one-year structure with minimal guaranteed money ($1.0M) gives the Saints maximum flexibility while essentially getting a tryout year with a player who could develop into something more valuable. This represents exactly the type of savvy roster building that contending teams need — identifying undervalued talent and securing it at a discount before the market corrects itself.

Performance Analysis

Julian Blackmon earns a C+ grade as a safety who has found a home in New Orleans after an up-and-down tenure in Indianapolis. The Saints' defensive back has shown the range and ball skills that made him a draft pick, and the move to a new defense has seemed to unlock a more consistent version of his game. Blackmon's ability to play center field and cover ground in the secondary gives New Orleans a true single-high safety option. His tackling and willingness in run support round out a well-rounded skill set that makes him a quality starter. If durability cooperates — injuries have been an issue in the past — Blackmon could establish himself as one of the better safeties in the NFC.

Current Sentiment

Julian Blackmon's B-grade sentiment reflects the measured confidence surrounding his role as New Orleans' starting safety following Tyrann Mathieu's retirement. The veteran defender has earned respect for stepping into increased responsibility, with his modest $2.5M AAV extension signaling the Saints view him as a solid starter rather than a franchise-caliber difference-maker. Media coverage positions Blackmon as a capable veteran who brings valuable experience and ball skills to the secondary, though his injury history has created legitimate durability concerns that temper enthusiasm. Analysts and fans appear cautiously optimistic about his contributions, viewing him as a steady presence who can manage the position effectively without necessarily elevating the defense to elite levels. His Contract Value Index (CVI) aligns with this above-average tier assessment, reflecting a player whose reliable production justifies his salary while acknowledging the Saints may need to address long-term depth at the position. The sentiment suggests Blackmon is exactly what his contract indicates—a competent veteran filling a crucial role without breaking the bank or raising championship expectations.