The Carolina Panthers are looking to continue their busy offseason, especially when it comes to adding depth to the defensive side of the ball.
Though general manager Dan Morgan already made a splash move by bringing in safety Tre’Von Moehrig, there’s plenty of room to add more depth and talent. This is especially true at the free safety spot where only Demani Richardson is currently holding down the starting role.
Thus, the Panthers are bringing in former Indianapolis Colts starting safety Julian Blackmon for a free-agent visit Monday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Blackmon has been an intriguing talent working in the Colts secondary since he was taken in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. A versatile defender, the Utah product has had success both as a free safety and a defender working toward the line of scrimmage.
The biggest detriment to his game, however, has been his availability. Blackmon entered the league working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered during his final collegiate season. After a promising rookie campaign, Blackmon suffered a torn Achilles in 2021 and has dealt with various shoulder injuries over the last few seasons, some of which have been season-ending.
Spotrac is currently projecting Blackmon to receive a three-year deal worth $24 million in free agency, and the Panthers have roughly $13 million in salary-cap space following the first wave after the market officially opened.
Blackmon would be a solid fit in Ejiro Evero’s scheme as long as he can stay healthy, and he’d provide a solid tandem with Moehrig if he lands a deal with Carolina.
