Will Philadelphia sign Julian Blackmon to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson?
After unexpectedly sending C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans, the Eagles now have an immediate need at safety across from Reed Blankenship.
Justin Simmons, who remains unsigned, has obvious connections to Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but his asking price is likely more than Philadelphia is willing to spend. GM Howie Roseman has been seeking team-friendly deals this offseason in preparation for lucrative contract extensions, and Colts safety Julian Blackmon could fit the budget.
Blackmon, 27, has made 62 career starts for Indianapolis over the last five seasons. His ball-hawking prowess (seven interceptions since 2023) would assure that Fangio’s defense doesn’t suffer a substantial dropoff in the takeaway department. Gardner-Johnson’s six INTs last season were tied for the third-most in the NFL.
According to Spotrac, Blackmon’s projected market value is $8 million/year. With teams having spent much of their cash by this point, Blackmon may be willing to take a cheaper deal.
Nick Shook of NFL.com named Philadelphia as the best fit for Blackmon earlier this month:
The Eagles shipped out versatile safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson earlier this month as part of a number of defensive departures. Blackmon is a proven baller, needs a job, and deserves a chance to play for a contender. Vic Fangio is also a proven expert at fitting versatile players like Blackmon into the perfect roles and maximizing the return. This pairing almost feels too obvious. We can’t keep letting the Eagles get away with this!
Blackmon has experience lining up deep, at nickel, and inside the box — the kind of multifaceted tool that thrives in Fangio’s system. Performing at a high level in Philadelphia and re-entering the market next offseason may be his best option.
Blackmon has tallied 300 total tackles, 21 pass breakups, and ten interceptions since entering the league. Nick Sirianni was Indy’s offensive coordinator when the team drafted Blackmon in 2020.
