The New Orleans Saints ' secondary took a hit on Tuesday when three-time Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement at 33 years old. However, the Saints worked quickly to bring in a replacement. According to NFL Media, New Orleans is signing former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon .

The Saints moved quickly to replace Tyrann Mathieu following the defensive back's retirement. New Orleans is signing Julian Blackmon, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday evening.

The Saints are signing free agent safety Julian Blackmon, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. They need a veteran safety after Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement Tuesday. Blackmon, 26, spent the past five seasons in Indianapolis after the Colts made him a third-round pick in 2020.

The Saints already have some young talent at safety, drafting Jonas Sanker in the third round this past April out of Virginia, who joins 2023 fifth-round pick Jordan Howden. New Orelans also signed veteran Justin Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million contract in free agency.

The Saints are working to sign veteran safety Julian Blackmon, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed. Blackmon, 26, must first pass a physical and is coming off a torn labrum that he dealt with last season. Blackmon suffered the injury in Week 1, but still managed to play 16 of 17 games.

Julian Blackmon did not return to the Colts as a free agent and the Saints quickly zeroed in on him as one of the best safeties available

The Saints are reportedly "working to sign" a former Indianapolis Colts' safety who is currently still a free agent.

Still managing an injury to Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers signed a controversial former New Orleans Saints wide receiver before training camp