The Packers need another safety. That is for certain. Yes, they added ascending free agent safety Xavier McKinney on a four-year deal. However, they have lost the likes of Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens to other teams. Plus, strong safety Rudy Ford is still a free agent too. They’ve lost three impact players at that spot and have only added one. They need to add another safety.

This is where a free agent safety like Julian Blackmon could step in and help out new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. If the Packers brought him in, they would greatly benefit. Here is why:

A Truly Productive Defender

After getting drafted out of Utah in round three back in 2020 by the Indianapolis Colts, Blackmon would grow into a really good secondary piece. After making just 76 total tackles in his first two seasons combined, the former All-Pac-12 performer would go on to record a career-best 88 in 2023. He poured in 65 solo tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass deflections. The Packers signed McKinney after a breakout season in 2023. They could do the same with Blackmon, just not on a totally expensive deal like McKinney.

How He’d Fit

The great thing about Blackmon is that he and McKinney are very similar players. They both tackle well and have greatly improved in pass defense over their young careers. Jeff Hafley could disguise blitzes and coverages with these two that would make opposing quarterbacks lose sleep. Imagine a defensive backfield with All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander, speedy slot corner Keisean Nixon, and ascending safeties Xavier McKinney and Julian Blackmon.

The deal that makes most sense from GM Brian Gutekunst’s perspective is a two-year deal worth around $15 million. Plus, the Packers could always draft a safety too. But one thing is for sure. Blackmon wouldn’t be too shabby of a signing if Jeff Hafley uses him in the right way.