The NFL offseason is full of ups and downs. For the New Orleans Saints, they faced another challenge when veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu retired just ahead of training camp. In the coming days, they signed veteran safety Julian Blackmon, who is a talented defensive piece when healthy.
Blackmon discussed trying to fill the hole that Mathieu's departure left. He realizes that that task is impossible. Instead, he just wants to do the best he can as himself to fill that void as a leader in every way for New Orleans.
"I wouldn't call it replacing Tyrann. He's a hall of famer. I think it's just holding the standard he left here and doing the best I can to uphold that standard that he held is what I am here for." -- Saints safety Julian Blackmon
Blackmon should absolutely be a starter for the Saints defense if he is healthy. Jonas Sanker is the rookie safety battling alongside him to start with Justin Reid on the other side at the position. Jordan Howden remains an option as well, but his upside is limited, compared to the other options. I aim intrigued to see who wins the competition.
Regardless, Mathieu's departure leaves a hole that only players will truly understand. He has been a locker room leader for years, and now, others must step up to push young players and new additions alike to be their best and earn their role on both sides of the football.
New Orleans needs the best version of Blackmon if they want to achieve their peak as a defensive unit under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Other training camp updates for New Orleans
As July winds down, the stakes only grow surrounding the roster in New Orleans. The quarterback competition remains cloudy, with both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough showing some bright moments so far in camp. Neither has been named the starter, and it is unknown when that will occur.
Demario Davis returned to practice early in the week after a day off on Sunday. Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman impressed in his place with the starting unit.
Julian Blackmon, a recent free agent signing at safety, has joined practice and looks to be in line for starting reps entering the preseason. Both TE Foster Moreau and TE Taysom Hill have returned to working off to the side during practices as well. Their timetables for a return to practice remain unknown.
