Johnson just re-signed a three-year deal with New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson may have a bigger role in the 2025 NFL season than many expect.
Johnson, 28, signed a three-year $30 million contract with the Saints during the offseason.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Head coach Kellen Moore reportedly met with Johnson during free agency, showing the former undrafted free agent his plan for him in the new Saints offense. Moore and Johnson’s meeting went well, and Johnson agreed to resign with New Orleans on a three-year deal.
The wide receiver-turned-tight end had an underrated 2024 season, catching 50 receptions for 548 yards and 3 touchdowns. Despite the lack of scores, Johnson put up solid production in the absence of Derek Carr.
While the Saints’ receiver room struggled with injuries, Johnson continued to show his value. Heading into 2025, the former Oregon Duck will get his chance to do it again. New Orleans is fielding a short receiver corps with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks.
Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images
The Saints have discussed adding a larger, big-bodied receiver to their offense, but with training camp fastly approaching, the team has yet to make that addition. While New Orleans has brought in 6-foot-2 Gabe Davis for a visit and signed Donovan Peoples-Jones of the same height, they haven’t made a deal with significant commitment.
The team’s lack of eagerness to add a larger body to their receiving corps and commitment to Johnson are telling. Kellen Moore and the Saints believe Johnson could see a larger role in the offense during 2025 and will likely see a large number of targets in the red zone.
Moore’s offense has also favored tight ends over the years, with players such as Dallas Goedert, Gerald Everett, and Dalton Schultz shining in his offense.
Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images
At 6-foot-4, Johnson combines his size with athleticism to make his impact as a pass catcher. He has the toughness to absorb hits through the middle of the field, and while his sure-handedness isn’t consistent, he has shown in the past his ability to make contested catches.
An underrated part of Johnson’s game is his physical run blocking. With the Saints’ new offense emphasizing the running game, Johnson will be able to display his underrated run blocking and make his impact on the field outside of being a receiving threat.
The Saints will be starting a young quarterback throughout the 2025 season. No matter who the team’s choice is for the starting signal caller, a large-frame jump ball receiver will make life easier for the young quarterback. Johnson’s ability to dominate as a contested catch target and middle-of-the-field presence can lead to him being the quarterback’s friend throughout 2025 in an offense that loves getting its tight ends the ball.
Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel