Depending on the sportsbook, the New Orleans Saints have either the shortest or second-lowest odds of finishing the 2025 NFL season with the fewest wins. They're battling with the Cleveland Browns for the title of worst squad in football in the eyes of oddsmakers. That should encapsulate the current state of affairs in the Big Easy, plus the ramifications of veteran safety Julian Blackmon's Week 1 shoulder injury.
Blackmon reportedly suffered a torn labrum in the Saints' regular-season opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He played through the same injury for virtually all of 2024 before having surgery to repair the issue this offseason, per Nick Underhill of New Orleans Football Network. Alas, one procedure ostensibly wasn't enough, because the insider expects him to go under the knife again "soon."
The safety position saw a complete overhaul this offseason. Blackmon was the latest addition after Tyrann Mathieu's retirement. With all the fanfare around the move, this was an unfortunate result.
This is a torn labrum. Same one as last year. Expected to get surgery soon. https://t.co/mSwX5ejpPu
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 8, 2025
Already-thin Saints lose promising free-agent acquisition Julian Blackmon to shoulder injury
Barring any pleasant surprises, Blackmon's first contest as a Saint could go down as his last with them. The sixth-year defensive back signed a one-year contract in late July and has struggled to stay healthy in the pros. Nevertheless, it's yet another unfortunate break for him and New Orleans, considering he was one of the club's lone bright spots in Arizona.
Despite the latest news, Blackmon posted a 100 percent defensive snap share rate against the Cardinals. He didn't come off the field, and his presence was felt, amassing seven tackles and a pass deflection. The Saints even turned to the 2020 third-round pick to help with special teams, showcasing faith in him to impact multiple facets of the game.
New Orleans will have to look elsewhere to replicate Blackmon's versatility and playmaking ability on the back end of their secondary. He was supposed to be the replacement for three-time All-Pro Tyrann Mathieu, who shockingly retired this summer. Now what?
Saints third-round rookie safety Jonas Sanker logged just one defensive rep in his debut. Coordinator Brandon Staley suddenly entrusting him with an every-down role is hard to envision. Nonetheless, the loss of Blackmon may leave New Orleans with no other choice, unless they prefer a free-agent retread.
This marks Blackmon's third straight campaign with a shoulder ailment in the past three campaigns, so the Saints shouldn't be entirely surprised. Availability (or lack thereof) was why he was a free agent for so long; talent isn't the problem. The 27-year-old is solid in coverage and versus the run, and a sure tackler who can rush the passer decently for his position.