As expected, former Colts starting free safety Julian Blackmon is visiting other teams—with his departure presumably imminent.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts free agent starting safety Julian Blackmon is visiting the Carolina Panthers:
Free agent S Julian Blackmon is on a free agent visit to the #Panthers today, sources say.
Just 26, Blackmon has been a starter with the #Colts for the last five years. Carolina is still looking to add on defense, with Blackmon being the latest they’re taking a look at. pic.twitter.com/umOww21zu1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 24, 2025
Originally a 2020 3rd round pick of the Colts, the 6’0,” 202 pound safety has made 62 career starts for Indianapolis over the past 5 seasons.
He’s coming off a 2024 campaign, in which he recorded 86 tackles (62 solo), a tackle for loss, 3 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery during 16 starts.
Per PFF, Blackmon was their 30th best graded safety this past season with a +69.3 overall grade.
During his Colts tenure, Blackmon has shown some really good football at times—particularly as a ballhawk and run enforcer. He’s had 7 interceptions over the past two years.
However, he’s also been limited by some lingering injuries and inconsistency on the backend of Indy’s secondary. He also may be arguably more comfortable at strong safety, which is Colts starting safety Nick Cross’s more natural position going forward.
The Colts believe they have upgraded at starting free safety with the much anticipated free agent arrival of former Minnesota Vikings standout Cam Bynum. Once that signing occurred, Indianapolis moving on from Blackmon appeared to be a foregone conclusion—as a change of scenery for both sides appeared well in the cards.
As it stands, with the free agency additions of Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward, as well as the imminent departure of Blackmon, the Colts secondary under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo should look a lot different in 2025—and rightfully so.
