New Orleans Saints Sign Standout Safety to Replace Tyrann Mathieu

It didn’t take the New Orleans Saints long to find their Tyrann Mathieu replacement.

The Saints are signing standout safety Julian Blackmon hours after superstar safety Tyrann Mathieu publicly announced his retirement, per Ian Rapoport

Blackmon was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts and quickly became a starter. The former University of Utah defensive back played five seasons with the Colts before hitting free agency.

The standout safety had the best year of his career in 2023, where he accumulated 4 interceptions, 8 passes defended, and forced a fumble. He would also add 65 solo tackles and 5 TFLs.

The NFL world learned about veteran superstar safety Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement on Tuesday, but the Saints have known for a little bit longer, according to general manager Mickey Loomis. Blackmon and the Saints have been in contact since, and New Orleans was quickly able to find their next safety to play next to Justin Reid.

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

Blackmon has good measurables at 6-foot and 202 lbs. The versatile defensive back started his college career as a cornerback, but made the switch to safety during his senior season, earning second-team AP All-American and first-team All-Pac-12.

There were health concerns with Blackmon in college, but the former Colts standout has played at least 14 games in four of his five seasons as a pro, with him only appearing in six games in 2021 due to a torn Achilles. Blackmon appeared and started in 16 games for Indianapolis in 2024 despite playing through a torn labrum.

The Saints’ defensive back room had a lot of questions before Mathieu’s retirement, but the sudden departure of the former All-Pro made the unit a glaring need. Many question how Blackmon continued to be available this late into the offseason, but New Orleans picks up the young defensive back with big shoes to fill.