The New Orleans Saints have quite a few players set to enter free agency this offseason, but one of the bigger names in the group is Juwan Johnson. The veteran tight end was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2020, and carved out a role for himself as the team’s top tight end in recent years.
In five seasons with the team, he played 67 games, starting 34, and caught 146 passes for 1,622 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s been New Orleans’ best receiving tight end, and one of the team’s most consistent receiving threats. His time with the Saints could be coming to an end, though, as he’s set to enter free agency this offseason.
It would make sense for New Orleans to re-sign Johnson, but the question is if coming back is the best move for the veteran tight end’s career. Matt Bowen of ESPN doesn’t think so. In a recent piece naming the best team fit for the top 50 free agents, Bowen argued that the New York Jets would be an ideal destination for Johnson.
Jets named as best landing spot for Saints tight end Juwan Johnson
Bowen acknowledged that the New York Jets have a lot to figure out after they announced they’re moving on from Aaron Rodgers, but the NFL analyst believes signing Johnson would be a great move for whoever the next quarterback is.
"Yes, the Jets must figure out their quarterback situation this offseason, but regardless of who is throwing the ball, Johnson would be an upgrade over free agent Tyler Conklin. Johnson posted the best numbers of his career in 2024, catching 50 of 65 targets for 548 yards and three touchdowns. He can work the interior seams with his 6-4 frame, and he gets loose on underneath throws."Matt Bowen (ESPN)
The tight end position has become a heavily discussed topic for the Jets, with many draft analysts predicting that New York will select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren with the seventh-overall pick. However, signing Johnson would likely make them go in another direction, even though Johnson doesn’t have the upside that Warren does.
Whether it be the Jets or some other team, New Orleans would need a replacement for Johnson if he leaves. Knowing how the Saints do business, they’d probably just promote Foster Moreau and Dallin Holker to bigger roles.