If the New Orleans Saints want to take a real step forward in 2025, it starts with giving Tyler Shough more support-and not just on the perimeter. While wide receivers and running backs will get their share of attention in free agency, the tight end position might be the sneaky key to unlocking the next level of this offense.
Right now, Juwan Johnson is locked in as the lead tight end, and the Saints are paying him like it. With a $13.155 million cap hit in 2026, he’s not going anywhere.
But Johnson is more of a move tight end-he thrives when flexed out in the slot or lined up wide, not when he's battling defensive ends in the trenches. He ran just 27.8% of his routes inline this past season, even though he still managed to catch 77 of 100 targets for 889 yards, three touchdowns, and 41 first downs.
That’s a 77% catch rate and a 59.8% success rate overall, with an average depth of target at 7.6 yards and 4.7 yards after the catch. Solid numbers for a receiving tight end, no doubt-but what the Saints need is a complement.
A true inline presence. A tight end who can block with purpose and still be a reliable target when called upon.
Let’s break down some of the top free agent options, sorted into tiers based on production, role, and potential fit.
Tier 1: High-Volume Producers
These are the guys who’ve shown they can handle a big workload and still deliver, both as blockers and pass-catchers.
Kyle Pitts (25)
Pitts is the headliner here.
He caught 88 passes on 114 targets (77.2%) for 928 yards, five scores, and 51 first downs. He lined up inline on 549 snaps, running 45% of his routes from there, and posted a 55.1% success rate.
His average depth of target was 7.5 yards, and he added 4.5 yards after the catch. He also logged 365 run-blocking snaps-fifth-most among tight ends.
Pitts brings athleticism, volume, and versatility. If the Saints want a dynamic 1-2 punch at tight end, this is the guy.
Cade Otton (Turns 27 in April)
Otton doesn’t have Pitts’ flash, but he’s steady and reliable.
He caught 59 of 80 targets (73.8%) for 572 yards and a touchdown, with 25 first downs. He ran 34.1% of his routes from inline and lined up there on 468 snaps.
His success rate came in at 51.9%. Otton’s average target came 5.1 yards downfield, and he picked up 5.2 yards after the catch.
With 369 run-blocking snaps (fourth-most at TE), he’s a workhorse who could thrive as a true in-line complement to Johnson.
Chig Okonkwo (26)
Okonkwo is an intriguing option.
He caught 56 of 76 targets (73.7%) for 560 yards, two touchdowns, and 24 first downs. He ran 38.4% of his routes from inline and lined up there on 294 snaps.
His success rate was a bit lower at 45.6%, but he made up for it with 6.2 yards after the catch-one of the highest marks among tight ends. He’s not a dominant blocker (179 run-blocking snaps, 61st at the position), but his explosiveness after the catch makes him a potential mismatch weapon.
Tier 2: Past-Their-Prime Playmakers
These veterans still have something left in the tank, but age and wear might limit their long-term value.
Dallas Goedert (31)
Goedert remains highly productive.
He caught 64 of 85 targets (75.3%) for 624 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 36 first downs. He ran 37.1% of his routes from inline, logging 452 snaps in that alignment.
His success rate matched Johnson’s at 59.8%. He averaged 7.5 yards per target and 3.9 yards after the catch.
His experience in Kellen Moore’s system could be a bonus, but at 31, he’s more of a short-term solution.
Tyler Higbee (33)
Higbee’s numbers are modest-28 catches on 39 targets (71.8%) for 353 yards, three touchdowns, and 19 first downs-but his role was very much inline-focused.
He ran 58.8% of his routes from inline and spent 294 snaps there. His success rate was 58.3%, with an average target depth of 7.0 yards and 5.8 YAC.
He’s not the flashiest option, but he’s a proven veteran who can still contribute.
Foster Moreau (29 in May)
Moreau’s production dipped significantly-just 7 catches on 10 targets for 59 yards and two first downs.
But he ran 78.2% of his routes from inline and lined up there 215 times. His success rate was 60%, and he averaged 6.0 yards after the catch.
He logged 152 run-blocking snaps (69th among tight ends). Moreau might be better suited for a TE3 role at this point.
Noah Fant (28)
Fant is a name Saints fans will recognize-the team made a run at him last offseason.
He caught 34 of 38 targets (89.5%) for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and 13 first downs. He ran 66.2% of his routes from inline and lined up there 275 times.
His success rate was 63.4%, with an average target depth of 3.7 yards and 5.2 YAC. Fant isn’t a high-volume guy, but he’s efficient and scheme-versatile.
David Njoku (29)
Njoku caught 33 of 46 targets (71.7%) for 293 yards, four touchdowns, and 11 first downs.
He ran 55.7% of his routes from inline (355 total snaps), with a 45.8% success rate. He averaged 5.9 yards per target and 5.0 after the catch.
His 181 run-blocking snaps ranked 59th at the position. Njoku brings athleticism and red-zone ability, but consistency has always been the question.
Tier 3: Young Up-and-Comers
These players haven’t fully broken out yet, but the tools are there-and the Saints could capitalize.
Isaiah Likely (Turns 26 in April)
Likely is a talented receiver who caught 27 of 34 targets (79.4%) for 307 yards, a touchdown, and 11 first downs.
But he only ran 14.5% of his routes from inline and lined up there just 132 times. That’s not ideal for what the Saints need.
He did block on 218 run plays (45th at TE), but his inline experience is limited. Likely’s upside is real, but he’s not the best fit if the goal is to find a traditional in-line TE.
Jake Tonges (26)
Tonges is a name to watch.
He caught 40 of 53 targets (75.5%) for 366 yards, five touchdowns, and 26 first downs. He ran 63.5% of his routes from inline (322 total snaps) and posted a 60.9% success rate.
His average target came 7.4 yards downfield, and he added 4.5 YAC. Tonges blocked on 158 run plays (68th at TE), and while he’s a restricted free agent, his skill set fits the Saints’ needs perfectly.
The only problem? With George Kittle’s injury, the 49ers may be inclined to keep him.
Charlie Kolar (Turns 27 in February)
Kolar has been buried on the depth chart in Baltimore, but when given a chance, he’s been effective.
He caught 10 of 13 targets (76.9%) for 142 yards, two touchdowns, and nine first downs. He ran 85.8% of his routes from inline (375 snaps total) and posted a 66.7% success rate.
He averaged 9.5 yards per target and 5.1 YAC. Kolar also blocked on 275 run plays-22nd among tight ends.
He’s a budget-friendly option who could quietly upgrade the Saints’ TE2 spot.
Bottom Line
The Saints don’t need another Juwan Johnson. They need his counterpart-someone who can line up next to the tackle, take on edge rushers in the run game, and still be a reliable option in the passing game. Whether they go big with someone like Kyle Pitts or look for value in a guy like Charlie Kolar, the goal is clear: find the yin to Johnson’s yang.
If they get it right, this tight end room could be a real asset in 2025-and a big reason Tyler Shough takes the next step.