Former Colts safety Julian Blackmon is signing with the New Orleans Saints, according to the NFL Network.

Three-time Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu — who started all 51 games over the past three seasons for the Saints — retired, opening the spot for Blackmon.

Blackmon started (when he wasn’t hurt) for five seasons for the Colts but was a free agent this offseason and did not return. He had 10 interceptions and 300 tackles in 66 games in Indianapolis, playing free and strong safety. In 2023, Blackmon had 4 interceptions, 8 passes defensed, 88 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss but couldn’t replace the production last season.

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