The NFL offseason kicked off with several veteran safeties hitting the free-agent market as teams made changes to their rosters.
Many of these safeties found it challenging to secure lucrative multi-year deals, with only a few big-money signings such as Xavier McKinney’s $16.75 million per year contract with Green Bay and Kyle Duggar’s four-year, $14.5 million per season deal with the Patriots.
Julian Blackmon, who had a standout season with the Indianapolis Colts, also faced difficulties in finding long-term security in free agency. The former third-round pick opted to re-sign with the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $7.7 million, despite believing his value was worth more than a short-term contract.
Speaking to reporters, Blackmon expressed his satisfaction with the deal, acknowledging the challenges faced by safeties in the free-agent market this year. While he had hoped for a long-term contract, he was glad to return to Indy, where he could continue to play under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and showcase his skills.
Blackmon highlighted the tough market for safeties this offseason, drawing parallels to the struggles running backs faced in previous years. He emphasized the need for players to be prepared for uncertainties in the NFL, especially with the abundance of talent available. Despite the market saturation, Blackmon remained optimistic about his future in the league and looked forward to continuing his career with the Colts.
As the offseason progresses and teams prepare for the upcoming season, more safeties, including notable names like Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, Quandre Diggs, Micah Hyde, and Jamal Adams, remain unsigned.
The positional value and oversaturation in the market have left many safeties in limbo, awaiting opportunities after the draft and closer to training camp.
While some may find new homes, it is unlikely that they will command the big-money contracts they had hoped for, reflecting the challenging reality of the NFL free-agent landscape.
