Julian Blackmon, Saints Reportedly Agree to Contract After Tyrann Mathieu Retirement

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly signing veteran safety Julian Blackmon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Blackmon's deal is worth up to $5.5 million, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

That follows Tyrann Mathieu announcing his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, creating a hole at safety for the Saints:

Blackmon has big shoes to fill.

While the 33-year-old Mathieu was no longer in his prime during his three years with the Saints, he still registered 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 24 passes defensed in total, averaging 76 tackles per season. He was also one of the defense's leaders and didn't miss a game.

Blackmon, meanwhile, has a total of 10 interceptions in his five-year career. Last season for the Colts the 26-year-old posted three picks, four passes defensed, a fumble recovery and 86 tackles.

The 2020 third-round pick isn't quite the ironman Mathieu was for New Orleans, appearing in 66 games across his first five campaigns, but he appeared in 16 contests last year.

Blackmon will likely battle to earn a starting gig, with Justin Reid expected to hold down the strong safety role and both Jonas Sanker and Jordan Howden also pushing for a role next season.

It's been an offseason of upheaval at the position after Will Harris also departed this offseason, signing with the Washington Commanders. The Saints have seen plenty of turnover in general, with both quarterback Derek Carr and Mathieu retiring and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore taking over as the new head coach after the midseason firing of Dennis Allen.