Juwan Johnson is the answer to the Saints biggest voids in the passing game

Chris Olave. Rashid Shaheed. Brandin Cooks. Those are the reliable wide receivers for the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately for New Orleans, none of those three are going to primarily occupy the middle of the field or be the Saints' big bodied receiving threat. Insert Juwan Johnson.

Though Johnson isn't a wide receiver, he may be the best hope the Saints have for either of those roles. Finding that role would define his place in the Saints offense, and is the best thing that can come from the tight end room in 2025.

Bub Means and Donovan Peoples-Jones are alternative options at receiver. They have the potential to step up, but Johnson should have higher expectations. Johnson emerging as a go-to receiving option over the middle and the bigger-framed receiver would justify his contract, while also boosting the Saints offense.

Juwan Johnson can bring much-needed size to the Saints passing attack

Johnson is more of a receiving tight end than a blocker. (Becoming a more all around player was close to being the best case scenario.) He's also a natural fit for what the Saints need. His alignment will often get him on linebackers. Working against linebackers up the seams should be a win for Johnson more times than it isn't.

Whether in-line or flexed out, Johnson will run a lot of routes in the middle of the field. If he can become a consistent threat in that area, the Saints will finally have someone to target in the middle of the field and be less dependent on the boundary. Replacing Derek Carr could also play a part, as he didn't target the middle of the field often.

Players and coaches will downplay the lack of size in the passing game, but it has its value. Route running can open up passing lanes quickly on short yardage situations, but there's no substitute for size when the defensive back is all over you.

There's something to be said for using your frame to be box out a defender. There's a skill to it, but the natural size plays a big part. Johnson would be a natural fit for the Saints in this role. It would also give him a defined role within the offense, something the tight end hasn't had in his previous five seasons.