Saints Justin Reid on Julian Blackmon ‘We’re going to knock people’s blocks off’

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement has left two significant holes in the Black and Gold locker room: The first the emotional aspect, and two members of the Saints organization best know what the Honey Badger has meant to New Orleans: Archbishop Shaw alum Terry Joseph and Prairieville native Justin Reid.

“I’ve known Tyrann and his whole family for like 15 years. I’ve known Tyrann basically my whole life: Watching back in his LSU days, following his career, our first year playing together in Houston back in 2018. I was really excited about the chance to play with him again. Sad it won’t happen, but happy for him for the legacy that he is leaving and the impact that he made on the game,” Reid said.

The second aspect: the physical one. Mathieu was going to be Reid’s running mate in the Black and Gold’s defensive backfield, and although New Orleans is losing a versatile veteran, the two-time Super Bowl champion remains confident in what the Saints still have in their safeties room.

“These guys are very cerebral. All these guys are smart. Me and Jordan {Howden} have a great chemistry and relationship on the field, as well as anyone else that’s been stepping out there with me,” Reid continued.

“I think it’s been a fun defense to coach in, and I think the players feel the variety of things that we do on defense can really give them opportunity to show off their skills,” Joseph added.

The team’s front office is shoring up the secondary though. The Saints have signed safety Julian Blackmon to a one year deal, and Reid already knows what the combination of he and Blackmon will do for the Black and Gold defense.

“We’re going to knock people’s blocks off. I love physical DB play, corners included. I think that he’s explosive. I think he has a ton of talent. I think he has a very noticeable change of direction, when he when he hits the trigger and he wants to go,” Reid said.

“He flew from Utah, landed and did our conditioning test and blew it out of the water, and he’s a really smart player. Now, it’s just a matter of really converting the language of certain coverages with the last team he was with to what we call it, but the good thing about him is he’s the first to get here and last to leave every single day. He wants to catchup and have a chance,” Joseph stated.

Blackmon only misses one game last season. finishing 2024 with 66 total tackles, three interceptions and four passes defended.

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