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3d ago

Saints Add Jonathan Bullard and Julian Blackmon to Revamped Defense

The one-year deals fill the leadership void created by Mathieu’s retirement to support Brandon Staley’s new scheme.

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) reacts to a fourth down stop during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Saints finalized one-year contracts with DE Jonathan Bullard and S Julian Blackmon after the first practice of 2025 training camp.
  • Blackmon’s deal reportedly carries a maximum value of $5.5 million and immediately addresses the gap left by Tyrann Mathieu’s abrupt retirement on July 23.
  • Bullard is a nine-year NFL veteran who started all 17 games for the Vikings last season and was originally selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2016 draft.
  • Blackmon, a third-round pick in 2020, brings five seasons of experience and positional versatility from his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts.
  • These veteran additions support the transition to Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme under first-year head coach Kellen Moore.