By Ross Jackson
Tony Pauline’s Combine Notes and the Saints’ Offseason
While his report on Tyrann Mathieu may have been Tony Pauline’s most eye-popping note on Combine chatter, there was another in his Combine Day 6 notebook that could impact the New Orleans Saints’ offseason.
Along with Pauline’s report on Tyrann Mathieu, it sounds like the #Saints may have competition for free agent tight end Juwan Johnson, as a familiar face looks to have interest. 👇🏾 https://t.co/ZxS2pgTdmN
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) March 3, 2025
Broncos Showing Interest in Juwan Johnson
Per Pauline, the Denver Broncos are apparently interested in signing Saints free agent tight end Juwan Johnson.
“Tight end is a position of need for the Denver Broncos, who are often mocked for either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland in the first round. I’m told they may address the position during free agency and sign Juwan Johnson, who is up for free agency after playing with the Saints since 2020.”
Saints’ Plan at Tight End
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told LouisianaSports.Net and other New Orleans media last week that tight end was a position that the team would likely tend to multiple times this offseason. Re-signing Johnson could be one of the moves that does so in addition to any new acquisitions via free agency or the NFL Draft.
This year’s draft class provides numerous players with starter or at least top pass-catching tight end potential.
NFL Draft Options for the Saints
All throughout the week of the Combine, Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was often linked to the Saints as a possibility for pick No. 9 overall. New head coach Kellen Moore has found a lot of success with tight ends throughout his play calling days. A weapon as versatile and threatening as Warren would be an outstanding selection for New Orleans.
Losing Johnson would hurt a lot less in that hypothetical. But the five-year tight end has been a fixture for the team’s offense, usually picking up steam in the latter half of seasons.
Johnson’s Fit in Denver
The Broncos’ interest in the former Oregon and Penn State wide receiver makes sense. The tight end began his career working in head coach Sean Payton’s system, who coached the Saints until his abrupt departure following the 2021 season. Payton has already invested in several ex-Saints on the Mile High City roster.
Saints’ Tight End Plans Moving Forward
Should Johnson depart for Denver, it is already known that New Orleans will be hard at work looking to address the position. And perhaps will be looking to do so multiple times over as Loomis suggested.
Johnson’s 2024 Season Stats
Johnson appeared in all 17 games last season with five starts.
- 50 receptions
- 548 receiving yards (both career highs)
- 3 touchdown catches
