By Ross Jackson
There have been a slew of injury returns for the New Orleans Saints throughout this week. One of the biggest, literally, is 6-foot-5 tight end Juwan Johnson.
The converted wideout had foot surgery earlier this offseason after surprising pain led to the discovery of a fracture. After spending his time in Irvine, Calif. working off to the side during practice, Johnson finally made his highly-anticipated return to the field in earnest this week.
Johnson discussed the challenges of not being able to participate in training camp while being away from home. He openly discussed the “dark place” that the situation subjected him to and the fact that quarterback Derek Carr was one of the players that continued to uplift him. Now that he is ready to get back into action, his spirits are up and he is ready to contribute.
“I would like to say I’m 100 (percent),” Johnson told media after the open practice at Tulane University.
With that motivation in mind and the growing connection between he and Carr, Johnson stands to make an impact immediately. Add in the new offensive system and things could get fun, so long as health provides.
Middle of Field Attack
Over the last two seasons, 45% (398/876) of Johnson’s receiving yards have come over the middle of the field. While watching through the 20 practices the Saints have held thus far since camp kicked off, attacking the middle of the field has been a clear emphasis.
Johnson’s frame and route-running capabilities are perfect for those centerfield targets. He has the nimbleness needed to weave through the congestion of the second level and the physicality necessary to make catches in tough areas. Both should be a boon to the Saints’ efforts in getting more production in the middle of the field.
Doing so will aid other areas of their game.
Yards After Catch
Since transitioning to tight end, Johnson is tied for third with Rashid Shaheed on the yards after catch list among pass-catchers with at least 25 targets. Both have accumulated 327 yards after catch since 2022. Johnson is one of the team’s most reliable players with the ball in his hands because of his physical style of play.
Totals are one thing, but averages help to tell the other side of the story. Johnson’s 4.1 yards after catch per reception since 2022 tops offensive weapon Taysom Hill, wide receiver Chris Olave and nearly doubles that of former wideout Michael Thomas.
Last offseason Carr praised Thomas for his ability to turn upfield after catches and fight for four or five extra yards. Johnson brings similar value on a per catch basis. Turning any three-yard gain on first-and-10 into a seven-yard gain is a big win for an offense. Johnson has the capabilities to provide that kind of production.
Versatility
Per Pro Football Focus, Johnson lined up at fullback, tight end, slot receiver and wide receiver in 2023. In 2022, he added one halfback snap as well. The highlight here is the multiple nature of not just Johnson, but the entire tight end room. Including Hill, Johnson, Foster Moreau and Dallin Holker all have the ability to line up all over as versatile tight ends.
That has massive value for a New Orleans offense that wants to deploy more two-tight end sets. Now, they should be able to do so with a long list of wrinkles and disguises in tow. This helps a ton when trying to give a defense a lot to think about before the snap. While a two-tight end set would typically be seen as a running formation, the athleticism of the Saints tight end room creates some mystery. They can run routes. They can chip and release off of play action, and they can stay in and block for the run.
Contested catches
The Saints lost one of the top redzone targets this offseason when there was no reunion with former tight end Jimmy Graham. While the door for that return could still be cracked open, Johnson provides some relief regardless.
He took a major step forward in this category last year. In 2022, Johnson reeled in a mere 34.4% of his contested catch opportunities (4 of 11). He nearly doubled that number in 2023 snagging 64.3% of those opportunities catching nine of his 14 contested targets. That is quite a leap. Johnson spent some time bulking up last offseason, perhaps that paid off on those plays.
Adding Johnson back to the mix gives the Saints another weapon around which to build. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis acknowledged earlier this offseason that despite being comfortable with it, he would feel a lot better about the tight end room once Johnson returned. Now that he is very close to being back to full participation for the team, the excitement is palpable.
