State of the Saints: Tight End

The Saints tight end group seems set for 2023, but could also see some small changes to maximize the potential that's needed for a bounce back on offense.

John Hendrix | Mar 14, 2023

State of the Saints: Tight End /

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

We're just one day away from the official start of the new league season, but Monday saw tons of moves made during the legal tampering period. For New Orleans, they lost several of their defensive players, but also solved their backup situation in being able to retain Jameis Winston. Our final check-in for the Saints this offseason sees us focus on the tight end spot, which seems pretty set after re-signing Juwan Johnson.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR SAINTS FREE AGENCY TRACKER

Tight End Overview

Players Under Contract: Juwan Johnson, Adam Trautman, Taysom Hill, Lucas Krull (reserve/future), Miller Forristall (reserve/future)

Free Agent Outlook: None

Priority Level: Low

Getting Juwan Johnson back in the building ahead of free agency was big for the Saints. He's coming off a career-high performance, and was a very positive part of a lethargic offense. It should be exciting to see how he and Derek Carr work together, as many have pointed out the success he had with Darren Waller and Foster Moreau. However, things won't stop there.

Adam Trautman enters the final year of his contract, and while he hasn't lit up the stat sheet, he's important to what the Saints offense does. As for Taysom Hill, New Orleans feels like they have a better understanding on how best to utilize him going forward. What that ultimately looks like remains to be seen, but Hill saw a lot of reps from the tight end spot last season.

Overall, the Saints seem pretty set at this spot unless something drastic changes. There's also some intrigue as to what Lucas Krull can do in his second season after being on the practice squad last year. While you can't ultimately rule out the team adding someone through free agency or the draft process, it's hard to see it over the next two months. Given how gutted the team is on the defensive line, that feels like their top priority at the moment.

If New Orleans were to draft anyone, Dalton Kincaid would be my top choice. There's an argument to be made for having a game-changing tight end (see George Kittle, Travis Kelce, etc.), and it's been a long time since the Saints offense has had someone on that level - since Jimmy Graham to be specific. Younger players in free agency like Foster Moreau and Irv Smith Jr. would be ones to pay attention to, but only two tight ends have went off the board as of the first day of 'legal tampering'.

Overall, the Saints are looking for a major rebound on offense. Derek Carr won't be the only part of the plan, and all eyes are going to focus on what Pete Carmichael does in 2023. Something to remember is that the team has a new tight ends coach in Clancy Barone. He's worked with some top talent and has helped developed the likes of Alge Crumpler, Antonio Gates, Julius Thomas, and Kyle Rudolph. Things could click here for the Saints, but we'll have to wait and see it happen.

Read More Saints News

Published Mar 14, 2023

JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net