Juwan Johnson’s contract suddenly looks really good

By Ross Jackson

At the time the new agreement was reached, many raised their eyebrows at the New Orleans Saints’ decision. The team’s three-year, $30.75 million decision to retain tight end Juwan Johnson was met with much ire. Even Johnson himself was moved by the number. 

“A lot of times teams give you low balls and the Saints didn’t do that,” he said soon after the contract extension was agreed upon. “I was like, ‘Wow, okay these guys really like me and really respect me.’”

However, despite the initial surprise of the contract and its top-15 payment structure at the position, Johnson has lived up to the deal.

#Saints TE Juwan Johnson is having a Pro Bowl season pic.twitter.com/6fUndfDdw2

— SaintsReport.Com (@SaintsReportCom) November 10, 2025

Whether or not a Pro Bowl is in his future remains to be seen. That voting pool tends to lean toward player name notability and team success. But regardless of season accolades, Johnson has been a critical part of the Saints’ offense despite some early season struggles.

Several drops early in the year had those questioning the tight end’s contract up in arm, and understandably so. But down the stretch, Johnson has been a key contributor to any offensive success the club has mustered. Even against the Los Angeles Rams, a game wherein the Saints possessed the ball for a franchise-record low 16:07, he was able to add a touchdown to his ledger before halftime. 

Beyond his team contributions, however, it’s his ranking across the league at his position that has allowed him to meet the expectations stoked by his contract.

Johnson’s contract ranks No. 13 in average annual value among present tight end agreements. 

The tight end’s receptions (43), receiving yards (491) and receiving touchdowns (3) all either meet or exceed his No. 13 contract ranking among all NFL tight ends .

He’s had some moments he certainly wants back. But from a production standpoint, head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints are getting everything they paid for in their top tight end as he currently ranks third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards. 

He has a clear path to becoming the No. 2 pass-catcher in New Orleans trailing former Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed by just one catch and eight receiving yards. With Shaheed traded to the Seattle Seahawks at the trade deadline, Johnson is on his way to being one of the team’s two best weapons.