By Ross Jackson
Among the New Orleans Saints players that had some of their best career performances last year is tight end Juwan Johnson. Though his year didn’t start the way he would have liked, unable to finish some pivotal plays down the stretch early in the season, the final results of his year led him to career highs in receptions and receiving yards.
His first year with head coach Kellen Moore brought upon the results expected for the former wide receiver who transitioned to tight end in 2022.
Moore’s offenses have elevated the position in numerous stops including pass-catchers like Dalton Schultz and Jake Fergusson in Dallas and Dallas Goedert with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last year, Johnson enjoyed the boost in opportunity and turned it into production.
A Standout Year
With 77 receptions and 889 receiving yards, Johnson ranked No. 2 (behind only wide receiver Chris Olave who had his own career year in 2025) in both categories.
He became a quick emphasis in Moore’s offense, which was initially led by quarterback Spencer Rattler. But by the time the team turned the signal caller role over to Tyler Shough, Johnson’s usage had grown and the tight end’s built-in chemistry with Shough took over.
2026 Will Build on Familiarity
Johnson and Shough were teammates during their 2019 Oregon Ducks collegiate campaign and the familiarity between the two remained through their time together in 2025.
Johnson reeled in 521 of his 889 receiving yards and two of his three touchdown catches with Shough at the helm. He was a constant safety valve for Shough, but also a go-to option in certain situations. The old moniker is that a “tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend.” That certainly proved to be true in New Orleans last year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Johnson is trying to carry the momentum of his best pro season across the offseason and into the next year. With Shough on the field as the starting quarterback Week 1, the duo should be able to pick up where it left off.
The Saints have added weapons to the offense, but could eat into some of Johnson’s opportunities after seeing his first season crossing the century mark in targets, but the comfort between the tight end and quarterback isn’t likely to be glossed over in moments where Shough is looking for an outlet. That alone should allow Johnson to make an impact, even with new faces at tight end around him.
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