Brandon Staley has waited to coach Julian Blackmon for years, and wasn’t about to let him go after just one game. Blackmon was scheduled to be a free agent, but LouisianaSports.Net’s Ross Jackson reported Tuesday afternoon that the safety and New Orleans Saints had agreed on a one-year deal.
The Saints brought Blackmon in after Tyrann Mathieu’s abrupt retirement before training camp. Staley tried to get Blackmon in the draft when he was the Rams’ defensive coordinator and again when Staley was on the 49ers staff. Third time was the charm in New Orleans.
Blackmon immediately delivered on Staley’s belief. After an interception in training camp, Staley yelled, “I’ve been waiting 5 years for that.” Plays like that were common in camp. Blackmon took his momentum into the season opener. No turnovers but he had a strong debut. Unfortunately, the team discovered the next day that Blackmon tore his labrum. That ended his season, but they clearly saw enough to bring him back.
With Julian Blackmon returning, what do the Saints do with Jonas Sanker?
The silver lining of Blackmon’s injury was the rise of rookie safety, Jonas Sanker. Sanker was one of many bright spots from the rookie class. He stepped in for Blackmon and looked every part of a future starter. The question becomes, though, what happens to Sanker with Blackmon coming back?
A battle between both me for a spot next to Justin Reid should certainly be on the table, but all three safeties being on the field at once shouldn't be out of the question. Alontae Taylor is a pending free agent could easily walk this offseason. Sanker's college experience suggests he's worth a shot at the STAR role.
Sanker played primarily in the slot during his sophomore season at Virginia. Even when his position diversified, Sanker still saw much of his time spent in the box or at slot. It would reason that New Orleans may look at this collegiate versatility and try Sanker at slot. One of Taylor's trademarks was his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield. Sanker has shown the aggressiveness coming downhill from safety, so he may be a valuable asset as a blitzer.
If you want to get Reid, Sanker and Blackmon on the field together, that is a way to do it. Free agency and the draft could change that, but as of today, that should be viewed as a viable route if Taylor walks.