The New Orleans Saints have had a very solid 2023 offseason. Despite entering it with some real salary cap concerns, they have done a great job of adding some talent to the roster and putting themselves in a position to contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
A big reason for that optimism was the signing of Derek Carr. Getting Carr to come to New Orleans was a huge get as the Saints are likely the favorites right now to win the NFC South. His addition gives them the most stable quarterback situation in the division with the Carolina Panthers rebuilding with a rookie, the Atlanta Falcons rolling with Desmond Ridder and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers set to have a training camp battle between Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield.
With Carr as their starter, the Saints have to feel good about their chances. While that was the biggest move of the offseason for the franchise, there were other solid ones that were made as well. One of the top under-the-radar moves of the offseason was re-signing tight end, Juwan Johnson.
Johnson joined the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has seen his role grow every season. In 2022, it all came together as he caught 42 passes for 508 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.
A former wide receiver turned tight end, Johnson possesses athleticism that not many at the position have and he uses that to his advantage. Now that he is learning the nuances of his new position, things are clicking. Steady improvements should continue in the coming years, as Johnson has become an integral part of the Saints’ offensive game plan.
There may not be a player on the offense that will benefit from having Carr as the starter this season as much as Johnson. Taking a look back at what starting tight ends have accomplished in Carr-led offenses, all Johnson is likely seeing in his future are dollar signs.
In four of his nine seasons as the starter for the Las Vegas Raiders, the leading receiver on the team was the tight end. Carr likes to get his tight ends involved, which is great news for Johnson and for the Saints retaining him.
