The NY Jets’ best safety option is still sitting in free agency

The New York Jets might not be done making moves. Now that the NFL's compensatory pick formula is finalized for 2025, teams can sign free agents without those additions affecting their projected comp picks.

That could open the door for another low-risk, high-upside flier in the coming days or weeks. Of course, any free-agent addition would have to fit the current direction of the Jets’ roster.

This isn't a team shopping for big-name veterans on the wrong side of 30 chasing a ring. General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn have clearly prioritized youth, upside, and value. They’re building something sustainable, not stacking last-ditch pieces.

That’s what makes someone like Julian Blackmon so intriguing. The 26-year-old safety is still somehow unsigned despite starting 62 games over the last five seasons and coming off arguably his best year in the NFL. If healthy, he might already be better than any safety currently on the Jets’ roster.

NY Jets should target Julian Blackmon in post-draft free agency

Blackmon is one of the most surprising names still available on the free-agent market. A third-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, Blackmon has been a steady presence in their secondary for five years, starting over 60 games and showcasing the versatility to play both free and strong safety roles.

Despite suffering a torn rotator cuff in Week 1 of 2024, Blackmon pushed through the injury, switching to free safety to limit contact and still putting together a strong season.

In 16 games last year, Blackmon allowed just 15 catches and earned a rock-solid 73.5 Pro Football Focus coverage grade, with an overall defensive grade of 69.3, the best grade of his career.

His missed tackle rate did spike over 15%, a sharp increase from his sub-9% rates in prior seasons, but that was likely a direct result of playing through the shoulder injury. Prior to 2024, Blackmon hadn’t dealt with consistent tackling issues since the early stages of his career.

At just 26 years old (he turns 27 in August), Blackmon checks all the boxes the Jets have targeted this offseason: young, proven, and still with untapped upside.

He’s not a household name, but he would immediately provide a legitimate challenge to Tony Adams for the starting safety job, and potentially emerge as the best safety on the roster.

The Jets' safety room remains one of the more unsettled position groups on the roster. Andre Cisco, signed to a one-year, $10 million deal this offseason, is penciled in as one starter, but he's coming off a down year in Jacksonville and is far from a guaranteed long-term answer.

Opposite him, Adams currently projects as the other starter, but the former undrafted free agent has been a replacement-level player over the last two seasons. While he's a fun development story, the Jets could — and probably should — look to upgrade.

That upgrade could very well be Blackmon. He’d give the Jets a versatile, experienced, and still-young option who could rotate between both safety spots if needed. Blackmon’s ability to handle both deep and box responsibilities would also give defensive coordinator Steve Wilks more flexibility in his scheme.

And with Malachi Moore likely needing some developmental time and Isaiah Oliver reportedly viewed more as a nickel corner than a true safety by the new regime, Blackmon would instantly become the most accomplished all-around safety in the room.

If healthy, Julian Blackmon could be a quiet steal and exactly the kind of move the Jets need right now.

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