What players for the New Orleans Saints’ defense will have major impacts in 2026? Many fans will instantly think of Chase Young, Kool-Aid McKinstry, or even Jonas Sanker, all of which are true, but few recognize the importance of safety Julian Blackmon. The veteran will play a key role in Brandon Staley’s defense, and his performance will be a defining factor in their success.
The Saints signed Blackmon to a one-year deal late last offseason. After a fabulous training camp, he established himself as a starter heading into week one. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during the opener and spent the remainder of the year on injured reserve. Despite this, the team saw enough and resigned him, hoping he could recover and once again claim a starting role.
Fortunately for the Saints, Blackmon participated in minicamp and looked fully healthy. This bodes well for Staley as serious questions loom over the safety room, especially with Jonas Sanker primarily taking snaps at the STAR position. Now, the 27-year-old safety is expected to be a leader on defense and a starter once the season kicks off.
Julian Blackmon’s performance will be a major indicator of the Saints’ success.
As aforementioned, Sanker is primarily moving to the STAR position. The second-year player started 16 games in Blackmon’s absence last year and was a breakout presence on defense. Without him at safety, that eliminates a majority of the depth. Because of this, Blackmon will be heavily relied upon and called to play nearly every snap.
As a result, Blackmon will play a vital role in both the Saints’ pass and run defense. He has experience both as a free safety, being the last line of defense, and a box safety, triggering downhill to defend the run. Additionally, his experience, IQ, and athleticism make him a dependable option who can be trusted in single coverage and not allow any game-wrecking moments. This versatility and reliability will let Staley implement a variety of coverages to keep the opposing quarterback guessing.
Julian Blackmon isn’t getting the spotlight, but he will quietly play a crucial role in the Saints’ defense. His performance could be the difference between winning and losing, making or missing the playoffs. Luckily for the Saints, the veteran has ample experience and the talent to be an exceptional player in Brandon Staley’s defense.
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