5 Colts players who are entering pivotal contract years in 2023

3. Julian Blackmon is entering a pivotal contract year

Julian Blackmon burst onto the scene as a rookie. He secured the starting free safety role for Indy, playing in 15 games and recording 42 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions. Flying all over the field as a rookie, Blackmon had a lot promise surrounding him.

Unfortunately, his next few seasons were largely impacted by injury. Blackmon only played six games in his second season before tearing his Achilles. Returning in 2021, Blackmon played in 14 games, but missed a couple with an injury, which led to the emergence of Rodney Thomas II.

Now, as the team prepares for the 2023 season, Thomas is remaining at free safety, and Blackmon has bumped over to strong safety. It’ll benefit him and the Colts if he can quickly adjust to the new position, stay healthy, and fly around making plays like he did as a rookie.

With so many quality young safeties on Indy’s roster like Blackmon, Thomas, and Nick Cross, the pressure is on Blackmon this year. He needs to produce and show that Indy should bring him back next season, or play well enough that some other team is interested in offering him a nice contract.