Colts Sign Key Defensive Playmaket To New Contract

Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts, Agree to Contract

During the 2023 season, Blackmon played 15 games for the Colts (all starts). He recorded 88 tackles (65 solo), four interceptions (team-high), eight passes defended, and five tackles for loss. All of those stats were career-high marks. Blackmon missed the final two games of the year due to a shoulder injury. If he had played those two contests, Blackmon just might’ve eclipsed 100 tackles and picked up a few more turnovers.

Blackmon was drafted by the Colts in the third round (85th overall pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Utah Ute emerged as a key player during his rookie year. He recorded his first career interception against the Chicago Bears in Week 4. In Week 11 versus the Green Bay Packers, he forced a fumble, which was recovered by the Colts’ DeForest Buckner in overtime. Indianapolis ultimately won the game 34-31. Blackmon started 14 games as a rookie. He finished the season with two interceptions, six passes defended, a forced fumble, and 42 tackles (three for a loss).

Blackmon’s second season was cut short due to injury. During practice for Week 7 of the 2021 campaign, he tore his Achilles, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year. He was limited to just six games that season. Blackmon returned to the field in 2022 and started 11 of his 14 games. Also in 2022, he scored the first touchdown of his career. It was a pick-six in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings. Blackmon’s pick helped the Colts take an amazing 30-0 lead. Still, the Vikings managed to come back and win the game 39-36.

Blackmon has spent his entire career in Indianapolis. In his four years there, he has recorded seven interceptions, 17 passes defended, 214 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and two quarterback hits.