The New York Jets may not be done reshaping their roster. Now that the NFL’s compensatory pick formula for 2025 is finalized, teams can freely sign free agents without affecting their projected comp picks—a window the Jets are in position to exploit.
And one name makes a lot of sense: Julian Blackmon.
At just 26 years old, Blackmon is one of the most surprising players still available in free agency. He’s started 62 games over five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and is coming off arguably the best year of his NFL career. For a Jets team that still has uncertainty at the safety position, he could be a low-risk, high-upside addition.
A Perfect Fit for the Jets’ Philosophy
Under general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets aren’t chasing aging veterans looking for one last payday. They’ve clearly prioritized youth, versatility, and untapped potential. Blackmon fits that mold perfectly.
Despite suffering a torn rotator cuff in Week 1 of 2024, Blackmon played through the injury and still posted solid numbers, earning a 73.5 PFF coverage grade and a 69.3 overall defensive grade—the best of his career.
His versatility is another major plus. Blackmon has logged significant snaps at both free safety and strong safety, giving the Jets a plug-and-play option no matter how their defensive rotations shake out.
Health Questions, But a High Ceiling
The one red flag from last season was his missed tackle rate, which jumped to over 15%—a noticeable spike from his typically sub-9% numbers. But considering he was battling a shoulder injury, that can be viewed as more of a temporary issue than a long-term concern.
Blackmon is expected to be healthy heading into training camp and could be a quiet steal for a team like the Jets that still needs clarity at safety.
Depth and Competition in the Secondary
The current outlook at safety for New York is far from settled. Andre Cisco, brought in on a one-year, $10 million deal, is penciled in as one starter but is coming off a disappointing year in Jacksonville. Opposite him, Tony Adams—while a great undrafted story—has been a replacement-level player over the last two seasons.
Meanwhile, rookie Malachi Moore likely needs developmental time, and Isaiah Oliver is reportedly viewed more as a nickel corner than a full-time safety by the new staff.
That leaves a prime opportunity for Blackmon to walk in and compete for real playing time—and potentially win a starting job outright.
The Right Move at the Right Time
Blackmon would give defensive coordinator Steve Wilks the kind of versatile chess piece he values. He can operate deep in coverage or drop into the box, adding flexibility to the Jets’ scheme and immediate stability to one of their weaker position groups.
There’s no splash here. No headline-grabbing move. But that’s exactly the kind of addition the Jets should be making right now.
Julian Blackmon isn’t just a fit—he’s a solution. If healthy, he could be one of the smartest post-draft signings in the league.