New Orleans Saints add potential starter just hours after Tyrann Mathieu announces his retirement from the NFL

The New Orleans Saints are wasting no time. Just hours after Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement from the NFL and general manager teasing adding a veteran to the safety position for New Orleans, the Saints are adding some experience in their secondary. 

Saints sign Julian Blackmon

The Saints are signing safety Julian Blackmon, according to reports. Blackmon was banged up last season but has proven to be a legitimate starter at the position in the pros over the course of his career.

The #Saints have found their replacement for the Honey Badger, as they are signing #Colts FA S Julian Blackmon, sources say.

Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement today led to a pre-camp roster move. pic.twitter.com/d24maKSHaJ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2025

What exactly are the Saints getting in Blackmon? Can he instantly make an impact on their defense under Brandon Staley? I discussed those premises with A to Z's Colts beat writer, Destin Adams, shortly after the move was made by New Orleans. 

Julian Blackmon was a very successful starter for the Colts from the moment they drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He exceeded all expectations during his rookie season developed into one of best players in the Colts secondary. His ability to play either safety position at a high level makes him a valuable chess piece for a DC. When he was on the field for the Colts their defense was simply better. Key words there being when he was on the field, with the major hurdle during his time with the Colts being multiple different injuries forcing him to miss games. 

Last season was arguably his worst as a starter though it was made aware after the year concluded that he played through a pretty major injury for most of the season. If he is now healthy I think the Saints are getting a massive steal. Players with Blackmon’s skill are not usually available in free agency in July. I think he's going to soften the blow of losing Mathieu and I think everyone in Indy is rooting for him to have a fantastic second chapter of his career. -- Destin Adams

Mathieu's exit provides tons of opportunity

The "Honey Badger" was a leader on the field and in the locker room. Replacing his voice and impact will be nearly impossible, especially since the Saints are already starting training camp. His leadership spanned multiple teams during his pro career, including with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tyrann Mathieu will go down as one of the best safeties to ever play for the Kansas City Chiefs, as he won a Super Bowl there and helped get things kicked off in 2019 with the Chiefs' dynasty. He wasn't able to stick around because the Chiefs wanted to move on to a younger route with Justin Reed, who is also now gone, but his impact on the Chiefs and what they are even doing now cannot be overstated. He really helped defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo hold things down on that side of the ball and was by far the biggest leader on the defense during his time. The Chiefs loved having him in Kansas City, and I'm sure he would tell you he loved being there. Tyrann Mathieu is retiring with a Super Bowl ring to his name, and no one can take that from him. -- Justin Churchill

Now, someone (or multiple players) will need to step up at the safety spot. Blackmon will compete for a starting role, alongside Jordan Howden and rookie Jonas Sanker. Two of those three will see defensive snaps for the Saints this season, at the least.