Colts re-engaging talks with free-agent Julian Blackmon

The Indianapolis Colts are about to get heavy into preparation for the 2024 NFL draft, but they have re-engaged in talks with safety Julian Blackmon, who currently remains unsigned in free agency.

After dishing out over $200 million in contract money to in-house free agents like Michael Pittman Jr., Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore II, to name a few, Blackmon is the biggest name left on the market for the Colts.

According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, general manager Chris Ballard told the media at the annual league meetings this week that the team has re-engaged with Blackmon.

Ballard strongly suggested there would be roster moves to come, particularly in the secondary. The Colts, he said, have re-engaged with safety Julian Blackmon, their 2020 third-round pick who remains on the market after visits to the Bills and 49ers in the past week.

Blackmon took visits with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers during the second week of free agency. The Bills instead wound up signing Mike Edwards, who also had a visit with the Colts just before signing.

The secondary is the biggest question for the Colts right now. The safety position lacks depth and a true starter at the strong safety spot. This draft class is perceived as a weak group compared to other years in the past. Finding a starter won’t be easy if Blackmon signs elsewhere.

The cornerback position also is another one of need for the Colts, but they have slightly more depth there. It’s likely the No. 15 overall pick will be a cornerback if one of the top prospects like Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell falls to them.

Bringing Blackmon back into the mix wouldn’t solve all of their problems, but it would give them some support at a position that is likely going to be viewed as the team’s biggest need going into 2024.