Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
A lot of the focus around New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson came down to one play. A play that he was in position to make at the end of the game, a leaping near-grab that was disrupted by Arizona Cardinals safeties Jalen Thompson and Budda Baker.
defense on lock to help seal the game 🔒@jt_broooo x @Buddabaker3 pic.twitter.com/o0G1qnLFoV
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 9, 2025
Had Johnson come down with the ball, the Saints would have been in position to either tie or take the lead at the end of the matchup.
However, despite not being able to catch that pass, Johnson was in position to do so following an otherwise stellar performance that highlighted the tight end’s expanding role in the offense.
11 Targets In The Passing Game
Johnson saw the second-most targets in his career against the Cardinals with 11.
His highest (13) came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 of the 2023 season. Last year in week 16, he saw 10. New Orleans didn’t wait nearly as long this season making sure that the tight end was a major part of the game plan.
Last year, he averaged just under four targets per game. He nearly tripled that in the opening matchup of 2024.
Eight Receptions For 76 Receiving Yards
Johnson not only led his team in both receptions and receiving yards, but led the game entirely. His totals matched a career high in catches and his third-highest receiving yard total of his career.
He did so while running 44 routes, well above his per game average of 24 last year.
It’s clear that the Saints and head coach Kellen Moore see a big role for the converted wide receiver this year and have already started things out with heavy volume and a massive workload. Johnson was on the field for all but one offensive snap and was often the lone tight end utilized as New Orleans spent more than 70% of its offensive plays in three-wide receiver sets.
In the previous three years combined, Johnson has averaged 2.8 catches and 31.0 receiving yards per game.
What Could Change?
Johnson is obviously seeing a larger workload right now while fellow tight ends Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill are out with injury.
But based on the tight end’s three-year, $30.75 contract. Even when those players return and while his workload may decrease, it seems likely that he will remain a focal point for Moore’s offense.
