Juwan Johnson

At 29.4 years old, Johnson is entering the typical decline phase for tight ends. Limited runway remains for sustained dynasty value at the position where peak years are typically 25-28.

Chris Olave (1,163 yards in 2025) is the clear WR1. With Devaughn Vele and potential draft additions, the Saints are investing heavily in WR depth. Johnson's target share could be diluted if offensive spending shifts away from TE.

The Saints signed Noah Fant to a 2-year, $8.75M contract in free agency — a legitimate veteran TE who logged 34 catches and 3 TDs with Cincinnati in 2025. Fant is not a depth signing; he directly pressures Johnson's snap share and red-zone targets.

New Orleans used the No. 8 overall pick on WR Jordyn Tyson who joins Chris Olave in a significantly upgraded receiver room. With more mouths to feed under a second-year QB managing his progression, Johnson's 15% target share ceiling is compressed.

Johnson posted career highs of 77 receptions and 889 yards while playing all 17 games. He established himself as the 2nd receiving option behind Olave, averaging 52 yards per game.

Johnson flourished with rookie QB Tyler Shough, serving as a reliable safety valve and middle-of-field target. The chemistry suggests continued target volume if Shough progresses as a sophomore.

Despite 2025 success, Johnson only had 6 red-zone targets (Saints ranked lowest in scoring). If New Orleans improves its red-zone efficiency and commits to Johnson as a TD target, upside exists.

Johnson built strong rapport with Tyler Shough (now confirmed 2026 starter), who averaged 15.65 PPR points with Johnson in late-season games. Shough's development as a sophomore could sustain Johnson's safety-valve role.

New Orleans is actively investing in pass catchers to support Shough's development, giving Johnson a favorable offensive environment with Chris Olave commanding CB1 attention and opening intermediate-to-seam routes for the TE.

Year 2 QB development jumps are historically the largest. If Shough makes that leap with a legitimate WR1 (Tyson), the whole offense becomes more efficient and Johnson — a trusted short-area safety valve — benefits from higher-volume passing attempts.