Several important 2023 contributors for the Indianapolis Colts are expected to become free agents.
Security One of those guys, Julian Blackmon, just finished a stellar year.
And here’s how I anticipate Blackmon’s offseason to go.
Julian Blackmon: Will the Colts resign him?
Blackmon was among the Colts’ finest defensive players for the majority of the season and, in my opinion, the best individual player in their secondary. Over the years, he had flashed glimpses of this kind of potential; injuries had kept him from demonstrating it consistently. He eventually came together in 2024, and for the first 14 games of the season, he was a standout member of the Colts defense.
Sadly, he sustained a shoulder injury that would force him to spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. With an eye on a lucrative long-term contract with the Colts or elsewhere, Blackmon appeared ready to enter the free agency market. However, it would be intriguing to see how his market develops now that he is back on IR. A person with close ties to the team has informed me that the Colts hope to have Blackmon return in 2024. Blackmon is the team’s second-ranked internal free agent, only to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., if I had to estimate.
Although I doubt many organizations will be willing to grant Blackmon a long-term contract given his likelihood of suffering another injury, I am sure he and his team will desire one. The Colts, who already know him and think highly of the safety, are probably his best chance. In order to try to repeat his incredible 2023 season, which would give him the opportunity to earn a larger deal again in 2025, I believe Blackmon and his counsel will likely realize a one-year prove-it agreement, even though I think they will negotiate and work on a longer deal.
I believe Blackmon returns to the Colts for a one-year contract in the end. I have a hard time seeing Blackmon sign a long-term contract this summer when he knows he’s one healthy year away from a greater paycheck, but I think the Colts would love to get a long-term deal done on a lower yearly amount than they projected during his strong season.
