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As the NFL offseason continues to fly by, free agency has already had three or four waves of activity. But, that doesn't mean there's a shortage of talent left on the market.
Plenty of veteran free agents are still out there waiting on the right opportunity, whether that be a team fit or a contract that they believe matches their skillset.
In a recent ESPN article listing the best team fits for the remaining free agents, the Buffalo Bills were linked to some help in the secondary.
ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks that safety Julian Blackmon would add playmaking to the third level of the Bills defense. Here is what he had to say:
Blackmon is only 26 years old and has played all five of his seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts after being a third-round pick in 2020. In that time frame, he has appeared in 66 games, starting 62 of them. He has 10 career interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and also has two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Like current members of the Bills secondary, Blackmon has a versatile background. He was a three-time All-Pac-12 player at the University of Utah, twice as a cornerback and once as a safety. His play on the back end of the Utes defense earned him All-American honors in 2019.
After a career year at strong safety in 2023 when he recorded career-highs in interceptions (4) and tackles (88), Blackmon tested the free agent market but ultimately returned to Indy on a one-year deal. Unfortunately, it was reported after the season that he played nearly all of 2024 on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
To stay on the field in 2024, he moved to free safety. He managed to start 16 games for the Colts, showcasing both versatility and toughness.
As for the Bills, they aren't rolling in the dough. If Blackmon received interest from Buffalo he would most likely need to settle for another one-year type of prove-it deal like he signed last offseason.
Schematically it does make sense. The Bills could use more talent at the safety position. Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop, assumed starters at safety for 2025, have plenty of skill and ability, but Bishop only has four career starts and Rapp battled injuries last year and had to miss the AFC title game at Kansas City.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills named best team fit for veteran free agent safety
Continue reading...
Plenty of veteran free agents are still out there waiting on the right opportunity, whether that be a team fit or a contract that they believe matches their skillset.
In a recent ESPN article listing the best team fits for the remaining free agents, the Buffalo Bills were linked to some help in the secondary.
ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks that safety Julian Blackmon would add playmaking to the third level of the Bills defense. Here is what he had to say:
Blackmon is only 26 years old and has played all five of his seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts after being a third-round pick in 2020. In that time frame, he has appeared in 66 games, starting 62 of them. He has 10 career interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and also has two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
Like current members of the Bills secondary, Blackmon has a versatile background. He was a three-time All-Pac-12 player at the University of Utah, twice as a cornerback and once as a safety. His play on the back end of the Utes defense earned him All-American honors in 2019.
After a career year at strong safety in 2023 when he recorded career-highs in interceptions (4) and tackles (88), Blackmon tested the free agent market but ultimately returned to Indy on a one-year deal. Unfortunately, it was reported after the season that he played nearly all of 2024 on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
To stay on the field in 2024, he moved to free safety. He managed to start 16 games for the Colts, showcasing both versatility and toughness.
As for the Bills, they aren't rolling in the dough. If Blackmon received interest from Buffalo he would most likely need to settle for another one-year type of prove-it deal like he signed last offseason.
Schematically it does make sense. The Bills could use more talent at the safety position. Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop, assumed starters at safety for 2025, have plenty of skill and ability, but Bishop only has four career starts and Rapp battled injuries last year and had to miss the AFC title game at Kansas City.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills named best team fit for veteran free agent safety
Continue reading...
