The Cincinnati Bengals are focusing on strengthening their secondary by targeting Julian Blackmon, a top free agent safety, as they prepare for the 2024 season. Following a disappointing 9-8 record last year and defensive struggles, the team is looking to improve with new leadership and strategic offseason moves.
New Defensive Leadership and the Need for Safety Improvements
The Bengals replaced former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Al Golden, who previously coached the linebackers for Cincinnati from 2020 to 2021 and has a background as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. This change in leadership aims to address the weaknesses revealed during last season, especially in the safety position where Geno Stone and Jordan Battle underperformed. Despite these challenges, Cincinnati did not draft any safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling that the team will likely turn to free agency to fill the gaps.
Why Julian Blackmon Is the Ideal Candidate for Cincinnati’s Secondary
Julian Blackmon emerges as a prime target because of his proven ability as a playmaker over five NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. According to Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated, Blackmon’s skills could revitalize the Bengals’ struggling defense. Manzano noted,
“The Bengals need all the help they can get after their defense endured a dreadful 2024 season. Blackmon can improve the Bengals’ secondary after establishing himself as a quality playmaker in five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.”
Blackmon’s recent dip in performance has been linked to a mismatch with former Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is now with Cincinnati in a different role. Manzano added,
“Blackmon is coming off a down season and probably didn’t fit the scheme of new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the former Bengals’ defensive play-caller. Perhaps new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden sees Blackmon as a team fit.”
Statistical Strengths and Scheme Compatibility
Over 66 games, Blackmon has accumulated 300 tackles—225 of which were solo—13 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions, including one pick-six. His interception total is particularly attractive to Cincinnati, given their need for ball-hawking safeties. The Bengals’ shift to a zone defense under Al Golden aligns well with Blackmon’s style of play, making him a promising addition to the secondary.
Contract Expectations and Strategic Fit
As Blackmon approaches his sixth season, market forecasts from Spotrac estimate his next contract at around $8 million per year. However, as the offseason progresses, there is a possibility he may accept a lower offer, presenting Cincinnati with a potentially low-risk yet high-reward signing. Securing Blackmon would signal the Bengals’ commitment to shoring up their defensive backfield through experienced free agency pickups rather than through the draft.