With free agency approaching for the NFL, Juwan Johnson will be a name to watch for the New Orleans Saints. The veteran tight end is entering free agency after the best season of his career, and while New Orleans certainly needs him back, there are a few teams throughout the league that could use him as well.
If the pursuit of Johnson comes down to a bidding war, the Saints would be at a disadvantage because of their cap situation. The question, though, is which teams could New Orleans lose Johnson to. Here are three franchises that will likely pursue the veteran tight end in free agency.
3. Juwan Johnson could join the Broncos in free agency
This is the most obvious destination for any player or coach leaving the Saints. Sean Payton, since being named the head coach of the Broncos, has been rebuilding the Saints in Denver. Signing Johnson this offseason could be the next step in that process.
This connection isn’t just because of history, though, Denver actually needs help at tight end. In 2024, the top receiving tight end for the Broncos was Adam Trautman (a former Saint). However, he only had 13 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns all season.
Johnson had 50 receptions for 548 yards and three touchdowns last season. He may not be an elite tight end, but he’d be an upgrade for the Broncos.
2. Juwan Johnson could leave the Saints for the Jaguars
Johnson would also be an intriguing option for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who recently released veteran tight end Evan Engram. They also traded wide receiver Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans, so they’re in need of new pass catchers. They do have one promising tight end in Brenton Strange, who was second on the team in receiving last season with 411 yards, but Jacksonville knows it’s going to take more to contend. Juwan Johnson could be the more.
1. The Colts could sign Juwan Johnson to address their need at tight end
Another team that needs more help at tight end is the Indianapolis Colts. Many Colts fans are hoping they could land Tyler Warren in the draft, but with the 14th-overall pick, the talented prospect may not reach them. Indy can prepare for that possibility by signing Johnson in free agency. He doesn’t provide the upside that Warren does, but he could be a stable tight end option for young quarterback Anthony Richardson.