The Detroit Lions could certainly stand to make some additions to solidify their standing in the NFC, and Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon could end up being a top target for them.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com has mentioned the Lions as a potential fit for Blackmon, who has been rumored to be on the trade block.
Detroit’s secondary has been hit with a rash of injuries this season, and if the club’s 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday was any indication, the Lions need some help.
But would the Colts move Blackmon? Maybe not a couple of weeks ago, but now, it’s becoming more and more of a possibility.
Indianapolis began the season 3-2 and looked like a contender in the winnable AFC South, but it has since lost two straight games to fall to 3-4. To make matters worse, one of those defeats came at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who completed the two-game sweep of the Colts.
Indy is currently two games behind the Jaguars in the AFC South standings, but because Jacksonville now holds the tiebreaker, it is going to be very difficult for Indianapolis to pass the Jags for the division lead.
As a result, the Colts may look to sell off some pieces. They are rebuilding anyway, and quarterback Anthony Richardson just had season-ending shoulder surgery.
Blackmon is in the final year of his deal and is slated to hit free agency, so Indianapolis may want to move him now in order to recoup some value for him before possibly losing him for nothing in the offseason.
The 25-year-old is in his fourth NFL season, all of them coming with the Colts. Through seven games this year, he has logged 50 tackles, a couple of interceptions and three passes defended.
Blackmon isn’t a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he would certainly be of some assistance to an ailing Lions secondary that is in need of reinforcements.
Detroit is 5-2 on the season and will look to get back on track when it takes on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.