Colts Replace Julian Blackmon with Camryn Bynum

What They're Saying

Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star: "Bynum represents an immediate upgrade at free safety over Julian Blackmon ... handing [new DC Lou] Anarumo the smart, experienced veteran safety he needs to patrol the back end of a complex system built around disguising coverages."

More from Erickson: "Bynum, still only 26, has started every game for Minnesota for three consecutive seasons, spending the last two playing for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who runs the kind of complex, constantly-changing system Anarumo plans to install in Indianapolis."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Bynum announced himself to IDP leagues in 2023, when he racked up 94 solos and 137 total tackles to easily lead both categories for a Vikings D weak at LB.

Bynum dipped to a DB24 fantasy finish last year, thanks to a reversion in his tackle production. But he also supplied career highs in passes defensed (10) and INTs (3).

Bynum should be the primary deep safety for the Colts, with Cross spending more time in the box.

That breakdown could once again challenge Bynum's ability to supply regular fantasy points.

Anarumo likely hopes Bynum can approximate the play of S Jessie Bates III when the two teamed up in Cincinnati for four seasons. Bates finished one of those years among the top 12 DBs in fantasy points per game, another inside the top 20, and the other two outside the top 45.

Expect Bynum to land in low-DB2 to DB3 territory of our IDP rankings, with Cross the better bet for regular fantasy production.

Other Winners & Losers

Minnesota recently extended fourth-year S Theo Jackson at a rate that suggested the team was ready to move him from special-teams guy to starter.

Bynum's official departure clears the way for that move.

Jackson has yet to start an NFL game and didn't provide the kind of college production we should get excited about. But he'll carry plenty of upside vs. what's likely to be an undrafted-level ADP.

Keep Jackson in mind as we head toward summer drafts, and I'll watch for reports on his progress.