INDIANAPOLIS – Yet another Indianapolis Colt is returning, and it comes at a critical spot.
Safety Julian Blackmon has agreed to a one-year contract, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
The 2020 third-round draft pick was one of several Colts whose contracts expired early in March, and one who tested his value on the open market. When he didn’t generate the level of interest he had anticipated, Blackmon and the Colts agreed to extend their relationship for another season.
Blackmon, 25, is coming off the best season of his career.
Despite missing the final two games of the season with a shoulder injury, Blackmon led the Colts with four interceptions to go along with 88 tackles, five tackles for loss and eight passes defended. All were career highs.
In four seasons, he’s started 46 of 50 games and collected seven interceptions.
Prior to Blackmon’s return, the Colts top safeties were Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II.
Blackmon also is the latest Colt to re-up with the team, joining cornerback Kenny Moore II, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis, punter Rigoberto Sanchez, running back Trey Sermon, defensive end Genard Avery and safety/linebacker Ronnie Harmon Jr.
Also, Michael Pittman Jr. returns with a three-year, $70 million contract and the team extended linebacker Zaire Franklin.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.