Three Reasons Colts Must Keep This Rookie

The Indianapolis Colts need safety help, and they may already have it.

The Indianapolis Colts defense ranked 28th in 2023, allowing 24.4 points per game.

Part of the blame might be attributed to inconsistent quarterback pressure, as well as overall safety efficiency. Rodney Thomas II, a free safety, experienced a significant dip in output after a strong first season. He allowed huge plays and struggled to communicate effectively in coverage.

Nick Cross played 210 snaps at free safety and outperformed Thomas. Ronnie Harrison Jr., a safety converted to linebacker, played 82 snaps at the position.

But the Colts cannot rely on this predicament going forward. What’s the answer? Keep Julian Blackmon.

Here are three reasons why Indiana has to re-sign the veteran defense.

The Colts Need Safety Help

Building on the breakdown from the 2023 season, Indianapolis presently has a depth issue at strong and free safety. This remains true even with Blackmon on the roster.

Blackmon is only 25 years old and has already served four years. While he has had some injury issues, he is unquestionably the finest safety on the roster.

Blackmon went to strong safety in 2023, which better suited his skill set and resulted in the best season of his career. This is one of the primary reasons why the Colts must keep him.

Speaking of Blackmon’s outstanding season.

He’s Coming Off a Career Year

Blackmon did miss the final two games of the season due to a shoulder ailment, and Indianapolis desperately needed the playmaker. However, after 15 games, he was quite amazing.

Blackmon finished with 88 tackles, five for loss, eight passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and four interceptions (team high). The former Utah Ute achieved career highs in all of these criteria. If he had played the remaining two games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans, he could have surpassed 100 tackles and gained more turnovers.

With Blackmon’s performance late in the season, the Colts must figure out how to compensate him while also retaining his services. The good news is that he’s unlikely to break the bank, and Indy has the means to make it happen.

He Won’t Be Expensive to Re-Sign

Blackmon has finished his rookie contract. Now he deserves a new one and has earned the right to it.

This year’s free agent safeties, with the exception of Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar Antoine Winfield Jr. and Washington Commanders strong safety Kamren Curl, are unlikely to receive significant contracts.

According to Spotrac, Winfield ($18.4 million annually) and Curl ($15.3 million annually) have a large market worth. While Blackmon played terrific football, he will not make quite this much money. However, Blackmon’s new contract may pay him between $8 million and $11 million per year.

Blackmon’s exact value is difficult to forecast because safety is not a high-paying position in the NFL.However, Indy has the fourth-most cap space in the league, with $66,350,395 available to spend.Given the severe need for safety on Gus Bradley’s young defense, they must pay Blackmon.

The Colts can still afford to pay Blackmon, despite other free agents such as cornerback Kenny Moore II, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. signing new contracts.It’s also worth noting that he could be the most cost-effective of the four.

We’ll see what the Colts do in the 2024 offseason to build and strengthen a secondary that need depth, experience, and play makers to thrive in a highly competitive AFC conference.

Tags: Indianapolis Colts Julian Blackmon

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