Saints Free Agency Focus: Tight End

Juwan Johnson had a breakout year for New Orleans in 2022, but the Saints have several options available in both free agency and the draft if they're looking to further upgrade their tight ends.

Nineteen tight ends had better individual production than the New Orleans Saints trio of Adam Trautman, Juwan Johnson, and Nick Vannett in 2021. Last season, the Saints got a breakout performance from Johnson, who had 42 catches for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns. 

A converted wideout, the 6'4" and 231-Lb. Johnson is a bit undersized for the position. His in-line blocking has improved, and his athleticism presents a receiving mismatch for the offense. Trautman is mainly a blocker but provides little downfield threat. 

With the addition of QB Derek Carr, the Saints may also look to upgrade the tight end spot. Another big pass catcher that can also block would be a nice complement to Johnson. There is still some intriguing talent at the position on the free-agent market. 

Notable Free Agent TEs

Jan 15, 2023; Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. (84) catches a touchdown against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

*age and previous team in parentheses 

• Irv Smith Jr. (24 - Vikings)

• Foster Moreau (26 - Raiders)

• Austin Hooper (28 - Titans)

• Cameron Brate (31 - Buccaneers)

• Maxx Williams (29 - Cardinals)

Son of Irv Smith, a talented tight end for the Saints from 1993 to 1997, Irv Jr. was a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He showed promise as a rookie, catching 36 passes for 311 yards as a backup to Kyle Rudolph. He'd follow that up with 30 catches for 365 yards and five scores in 2020.

The opportunity to take over the Number One spot in Minnesota was derailed by a knee injury that knocked Smith out for all of 2021. He got off to a strong start last season, catching 22 passes in the first seven contests. Unfortunately, an ankle injury knocked him out of action for nine of the last 10 games. 

Smith is a bulked up wideout at 6'2" and 240-Lbs with 91 career receptions for 857 yards in 37 games. He'll need to continue improving as an in-line blocker, but is a dangerous receiver at all levels. 

Nov 13, 2022; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Moreau has played all four of his NFL seasons with Derek Carr as his quarterback. He has 91 career receptions for 1,107 yards and 12 touchdowns despite playing behind Pro Bowler Darren Waller. 

At 6'4" and 250-Lbs., Moreau has always been a strong blocker but has taken time to develop as a receiver. He had five touchdowns as a rookie on just 21 receptions and has improved his route precision every season in the league. 

Hooper made the Pro Bowl in two of his first four seasons with division rival Atlanta. He continued to be a quality receiver for the Browns in 2020 and '21 and for a run-heavy Titans team last year. 

Hooper is also a quality blocker at 6'4" and 255-Lbs. with dangerous intermediate skills and run after the catch ability. He has 339 catches for 3,468 yards and 25 scores over a seven-year career.

Dec 4, 2022; Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) makes a catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Brate is another former division rival. He's been an underrated part of Tampa Bay's offense throughout his nine-year career. Brate has 273 career catches for 2,857 yards and 33 touchdowns. 

An underrated athlete, Brate skillfully works the middle of the field to get open. He's also a high-effort blocker able to set the edge for off-tackle runs.

Williams is a former second-round pick that has dealt with injuries throughout his eight-year career. He has 105 receptions for 1,012 yards, but has only played a full season just once.

Williams has the size (6'4" and 252-Lbs.) and the reliable hands to be an effective two-way tight end. However, various injuries may have robbed him of his athleticism. He would be a cheap and underrated addition, but too dangerous to count on as a starter.

This year’s draft class looks deep at tight end. Utah's Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer of Notre Dame are potential first-round choices. Luke Musgrave (Oregon State), Sam LaPorta (Iowa), and Darnell Washington (Georgia) look like quality Day 2 prospects. Several other players could be potential mid or late round steals.

Rarely does a rookie tight end make an impact in their first year, regardless of where they were drafted. Juwan Johnson showed that he could be a viable contributor in the offense. If the Saints want to provide Derek Carr with another big-bodied pass catcher at the position, it's more likely that they go the free-agent route for an immediate contributor.