Broncos could be $24 million landing spot for ex-Colts defender

Kevin Hickey

Broncos could be $24 million landing spot for ex-Colts defender image

The Indianapolis Colts seem content with their safety room moving forward, which means Julian Blackmon will continue his search for a new home.

The former third-round pick remains available on the open market following the 2025 NFL Draft, but there may be a landing spot for him in the AFC West.

In looking at one final move each NFL team could make this offseason, Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus urged the Denver Broncos to look at the former Colts safety.

"Although the Broncos just signed Talanoa Hufanga to man their free safety spot, his injury is a bit concerning. To help provide more quality depth at the position as insurance for any injuries, Denver could target a name like Julian Blackmon," Cameron wrote. The former Colts safety is comfortable playing in deep-free looks, having earned an 83.3 PFF coverage grade at the position over the past two seasons."

A versatile defender, Blackmon has been one of the intriguing talents working in the Colts secondary since he was taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Utah product has had success both as a free safety and a defender working toward the line of scrimmage.

However, the biggest detriment to his game has been his availability. Blackmon entered the league working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered during his final collegiate season. After a promising rookie campaign, Blackmon suffered a torn Achilles in 2021 and has dealt with various shoulder injuries over the last few seasons.

Spotrac projected Blackmon to receive a three-year deal worth $24 million in free agency at the start of the offseason. However, it's unlikely he would cost that much at this point in the offseason.

Kevin Hickey

Hickey was previously the managing editor of USA Today's Colts Wire. His work is also featured as a fantasy football analyst for The Huddle. A career .232 hitter, he is an avid reader of Spider-Man comics, an admirer of the James Webb Space Telescope, and a keen enthusiast of Ma’s sauce. You can find him on Twitter/X @KevinHickey11