The New Orleans Saints head into the offseason with a clear to-do list on offense-and tight end is quietly one of the most pressing items.
Yes, Juwan Johnson had a strong year. He turned in the kind of season that validated, at least for now, the team’s decision to give him a three-year, $30 million extension.
He emerged as a legitimate weapon in the passing game and gave the Saints a reliable target when they needed it. But even with Johnson stepping up, the tight end room as a whole left a lot to be desired.
Depth, or Lack Thereof
Behind Johnson, the Saints rolled with Foster Moreau, Jack Stoll, and Moliki Matavao. That group brought value as blockers-something this coaching staff clearly values-but the drop-off in receiving talent was steep. Johnson was the only real threat through the air, and that imbalance limited what the offense could do in two-tight end sets.
In today’s NFL, versatility is king. Tight ends who can block and stretch the field are game-changers, especially in an offense that’s trying to support a young quarterback like Tyler Shough.
Shough showed real promise in his first year under center, and the Saints would be wise to give him every tool possible to continue developing. That means not just relying on Johnson, but also adding another tight end who can make plays in the passing game.
Why TE2 Matters in Kellen Moore’s Offense
Kellen Moore is taking over the offensive reins in New Orleans, and his track record suggests he’s going to want flexibility at the tight end spot. Moore’s offenses in Dallas and Los Angeles made use of multiple tight ends, often deploying them in creative ways to disguise formations and create mismatches. If the Saints want to tap into that part of Moore’s playbook, they’ll need a second tight end who can do more than just block.
That’s where this offseason becomes critical. The Saints are expected to address wide receiver, running back, and the interior offensive line-three areas that showed clear weaknesses last season.
But tight end should be right there in the mix. Not just because of what it adds to the offense, but because of what the lack of depth could take away.
Free Agent Targets to Watch
Fortunately for New Orleans, the upcoming free agent class offers some intriguing options. Noah Fant, Dallas Goedert, and Cade Otton all stand out as potential fits.
Otton, in particular, is worth watching. At 26 years old, he’s young enough to be a long-term piece, and he’s already proven he can contribute in the passing game.
He’s coming off a solid stint with the Buccaneers, and he wouldn’t break the bank-an important factor for a team that’s always dancing around the salary cap.
Adding someone like Otton could give the Saints the flexibility to run more two-tight end sets, take pressure off the wide receiver room, and create more favorable matchups for Shough. It’s a move that wouldn’t just patch a hole-it would expand what the offense is capable of doing.
Big Picture: Surrounding Shough With Help
The Saints have something in Tyler Shough. The rookie quarterback’s poise, arm talent, and ability to extend plays gave the offense a spark last season.
But banking on a second-year leap without upgrading the supporting cast is a risky game. The offensive line needs reinforcements.
The run game has to be more consistent. And yes, the wide receiver group needs a boost.
But tight end? That’s the underrated swing spot.
It’s where the Saints can get better in a hurry-and where they can give their young quarterback another weapon to grow with. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, finding a legitimate TE2 should be near the top of the Saints’ offseason priorities.
Because if Johnson is the only one making plays again next year, the offense might be leaving too much on the table.