Juwan Johnson Cracks Top 10 in Pro Bowl Voting - But Is It Enough?
Fan voting for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games is underway, and as of Dec. 1, just one New Orleans Saints player has managed to crack the top 10 at his position: tight end Juwan Johnson. He currently sits at No. 10 overall among tight ends and sixth in the NFC - a respectable spot, but far from a lock for a Pro Bowl nod.
Let’s break down what that really means for Johnson’s chances.
The Competition Is Fierce
Johnson is in the mix, but he’s surrounded by some big names. Trey McBride leads all tight ends - and, remarkably, all players - in receptions with 88.
That’s elite territory, no matter how you slice it. Behind him are guys like Jake Ferguson (70 catches), George Kittle, Colston Loveland, and Sam LaPorta, who, despite a season-ending back injury in November, is still drawing votes.
That’s the kind of star-studded group Johnson is trying to break through. And while he’s not leading the pack, he’s certainly not out of place.
With 54 receptions, he ranks seventh among tight ends league-wide and fourth in the NFC. He’s also fourth in receiving yards at the position with 576 - trailing only McBride among NFC tight ends.
That’s a solid stat line, especially considering the inconsistency that’s defined the Saints’ offense this season.
A Season of Highs - and Frustrations
Statistically, Johnson is putting together the best season of his career. He’s already set personal bests in receptions, receiving yards, and first down conversions. That’s the kind of production you want from a tight end who just signed a lucrative contract extension.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.
Johnson has struggled with drops - at least six so far, which is also a career-high - and his blocking has left something to be desired. When the Saints have tried to run behind him, the results haven’t always been there.
That kind of inconsistency can frustrate coaches, fans, and analysts alike. It’s the classic case of a player who flashes high-level talent but doesn’t always put it all together.
Still, it’s hard to ignore his impact in the passing game. In a league where tight ends are increasingly asked to be playmakers, Johnson has delivered in that role. And that’s not just reflected in the box score - his name has stayed relevant in fantasy football circles, which often helps keep players in the national conversation during Pro Bowl voting.
Can He Make the Cut?
Being sixth in the NFC puts Johnson on the bubble. With LaPorta out due to injury, there’s a potential opening, but it’s still going to be tough sledding. Fan voting is just one part of the selection process - coaches and players also have their say - but popularity and visibility go a long way in these decisions.
Johnson’s numbers warrant consideration, even if his game has had some rough edges this year. Whether that’s enough to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl remains to be seen, but he’s in the conversation - and that, in itself, says something about how far he’s come.
For now, he’ll have to keep producing and hope that the voters - both fans and insiders - recognize the strides he’s made. Because despite the flaws, Juwan Johnson is having a season worth talking about.