New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson wrapped up his first season under a 3-year, $30.75 million contract. The sixth-year tight end finished the season as the Saints’ second-leading receiver with
77 receptions for 889 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Head coach Kellen Moore was eager to bring Johnson back for 2025, holding a meeting with the tight end that went on for hours, with Moore selling Johnson his vision for him in the offense. New Orleans’ decision to bring Johnson back on a hefty contract was quite a surprise. While the former undrafted free agent has been serviceable for the Saints since entering the league, a lack of consistency and a failure to breakout made his significant contract turn heads. However, Johnson’s contract made him the 13th highest-paid tight end in the league, and he exceeded his contract and finished as TE3.
Johnson’s breakout season didn’t come without its flaws. Despite a 75.49 catch percentage, which is the second-best among the top-10 tight ends in receiving yards, Johnson had a problem with drops. From turning his head too early before making the reception to simple drops, mistakes plagued the wide receiver-turned-tight end throughout the season. Johnson also fumbled twice in 2025.
Johnson often made up for his mistakes. It felt as if when he made a mistake, Johnson would respond with an impressive reception or big play.
Despite a solid first three weeks of the season, Johnson’s best play came when rookie quarterback Tyler Shough took over at quarterback. Shough relied on his former college teammate as a safety net and looked for him whenever a play broke down. Johnson averaged 57.8 yards per game with Shough under center compared to just 46 yards per game with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
Johnson looks to be a crucial part of Shough’s development down the line, and he performed more than his contract asked of him. With a full offseason to work with Kellen Moore and Shough, Juwan Johnson could be heading towards a better season in 2026, and with improvements on his mistakes from the season, the Saints could have gotten a steal on Johnson’s annual $10 million contract.
