The Chicago Bears head into the 2025 season with renewed optimism following some notable acquisitions on both sides of the ball. General manager Ryan Poles has shown a willingness to invest aggressively in upgrades, but there is still work to be done. Despite adding youth and talent through the draft and free agency in recent years, the Bears’ safety group is an area of concern.
Strong safety Jaquan Brisker has missed time each of his three seasons as a Bear due to concussions, and free safety Kevin Byard is entering the final year of his contract and is an older starter at 31.
Knowing the Bears’ safety room can look a lot different in the near future, it’s puzzling why the team didn’t make any major investments during free agency and the NFL draft, but it doesn’t mean they can’t make a move now.
Bleacher Report recently labeled free agent Julian Blackmon as a “bargain-bin” NFL free agent, and the Bears should be inclined to make a move for the Indianapolis Colts’ safety.
Why the Bears Should Target Julian Blackmon
GettyJulian Blackmon #32 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 05, 2025.
At 26 years old, Blackmon is far from a declining veteran simply looking for a payday. In fact, he has logged 62 career starts in just five seasons and demonstrated the versatility to play either safety spot. That alone should put him on the Bears’ radar.
The reason he’s still on the open market is likely attributed to his inconsistent tackling last season, but he still managed 86 total tackles and three interceptions in 1,084 total snaps. Blackmon ranked 13th out of 171 qualified safeties in yards per reception allowed (16.8) and posted a 69.3 overall grade (48th/171) by Pro Football Focus.
The Colts’ decision not to re-sign him was less about his ability and more about their desire to splurge on former Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, who signed the largest safety contract this offseason. For a team like Chicago, which doesn’t need to pay big money for a safety to come in and start right away, Blackmon would be the perfect low-cost investment.
A Smart Fit for Chicago’s Defensive Culture
Beyond the on-field fit, Blackmon has always been instinctively above the rest, which Colts head coach Shane Steichen appreciates.
“Just his mindset, the way he sees the game, and when you talk football to him, he’s like talking to another coach.”
Blackmon would have time to correct the inconsistencies that overshadowed his season in 2024. With proper coaching and new teammates to learn from, there’s every reason to believe he can elevate his play. If the Bears can land him on a team-friendly contract, they’d add experience, versatility, and upside without committing major resources that could limit further roster flexibility.
In a free agent market that often rewards big names and big price tags, the smartest teams find value in players like Blackmon. For Chicago, signing him wouldn’t just be a bargain; it’s an opportunity to take another meaningful step towards becoming Super Bowl contenders.
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