Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints currently have just two tight ends on the active roster, but that will likely change with a practice squad call-up or gameday elevation before Week 1.
The Saints’ tight end group is under heavy scrutiny. With Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau sidelined for at least the first four games, much will hinge on Juwan Johnson’s ability to carry the load.
Active Roster
- Juwan Johnson
- Moliki Matavao
Practice Squad
- Jack Stoll
- Treyton Welch
Johnson Positioned For Breakout Year
Johnson is in position to be the top tight end option for the team right off the top of the regular season. In previous years, he split time with Moreau and Hill for the focus at the position. He was also forced into blocking roles because of offensive line injuries early in the season, something the Saints haven’t necessarily shaken ahead of the 2025 kickoff.
Looking back at Weeks 1 through 9 in each of the last two years, Johnson has appeared in 14 of 18 possible games, seeing 45 targets for 33 receptions, 320 receiving yards and just two touchdown catches.
Meanwhile in Weeks 10 through 18, Johnson appeared in all 16 possible games (factoring in late-season bye weeks) where he was targeted 80 times, proving nearly twice as much volume. He reeled in 54 of those targets for catches and piled up 596 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions.
If Johnson, who just received a big contract extension this offseason, can see and take advantage of more early season opportunities, his breakout year could be on the way. Early production from the sixth-year pass-catcher would set the Saints up well at tight end until Hill and Moreau make their eventual returns to the field. Add in the strong physicality and blocking ability of Stoll and Matavao, as well as the underrated pass-catching ability of Welch, and the Saints have some intriguing contributors in the room.
Johnson, however, will be the barometer for success at tight end early on this year.
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