Proposed Bills signing lands Colts free agent as Damar Hamlin upgrade

Former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon is still searching for a new home.

Coming off a one-year contract with the Colts in 2024, the former third-round pick hasn't had much of a market this offseason.

Still just 26 years old, Blackmon still has plenty of value left to offer NFL teams looking to add some depth to the backend of the secondary.

One spot that may be intriguing for the Utah product could be with the Buffalo Bills, as suggested by ESPN's Matt Bowen.

"Blackmon's skill set fits with the foundational split-field coverages in Buffalo's defensive system. Plus, I see him as an upgrade over Damar Hamlin in the post," Bowen wrote. "Blackmon has the ability to move off his deep landmarks and make plays on the ball. He had three interceptions with the Colts last season, and four in 2023. He also recorded 85-plus tackles in each of the past two seasons.

"This pickup is all about adding more range and playmaking upside to the third level of Buffalo's defense."

Blackmon has always flashed talent as a playmaker during his five-year stint with the Colts. His lack of market isn't due to questions about his abilities but more likely due to his injury history.

Blackmon has always been a versatile defender, proving he can have success both as a free safety and a defender working near the line of scrimmage.

The injury history is real, though. Blackmon entered the league working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered during his final collegiate season. After a promising rookie campaign, his second season ended abruptly due to a torn Achilles in 2021.

He has dealt with various shoulder injuries over the last few seasons. In all, he's appeared in a possible 66 of 85 games throughout his career, logging 10 interceptions, 21 passes defensed, 13 tackles for loss and a 101.5 passer rating allowed.

Spotrac projected Blackmon to receive a three-year deal worth $24 million in free agency at the start of the offseason. However, it's unlikely he would cost that much at this point in the offseason.