Juwan Johnson – New Orleans Saints Tight End Profile

Early Life & Background

Juwan Johnson was born and raised in Glassboro, New Jersey, a small community located in Gloucester County. Growing up in the southern part of the state, Johnson was exposed to football at an early age, participating in local youth leagues that helped cultivate his athletic foundation. Glassboro High School, located just a few miles from Rowan University, has a modest football tradition but has produced several notable athletes over the years. The community’s emphasis on education and community involvement likely influenced Johnson’s upbringing, though specific details about his family life or personal motivations remain limited in public records. As he matured, Johnson developed physically, particularly noticeable in his height and frame, which would later become defining traits for his transition into tight end play.

Johnson attended Glassboro High School, where he participated in football and likely contributed to the team in multiple capacities. While public records do not detail his statistical performance during his high school years, his eventual stature—6’4” and growing—suggested he was a standout athlete by the time he reached his junior and senior seasons. The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) publishes records for state championships and key players, but named individuals or position-specific contributions from Johnson’s tenure at Glassboro are not documented in accessible sources. Given his future success in college football and the NFL, it is plausible that Johnson was a multi-sport athlete or a key contributor in football, possibly earning regional honors or all-conference recognition. However, no verified records confirm such accolades.

High School Career

Juwan Johnson’s high school football career unfolded at Glassboro High School in Glassboro, New Jersey. The school competes in the Tri-County Conference, part of the NJSIAA, and has produced athletes who have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Though the exact nature of Johnson’s role—whether as a receiver, tight end, or lineman—remains unspecified in public sources, his eventual transition to tight end in college and the NFL implies he likely played multiple positions in high school. High school players who develop into tight ends often begin as wide receivers or linebackers due to their physical size and athletic versatility.

Glassboro fields varsity teams in football, basketball, and baseball, and Johnson may have contributed to one or more of these programs. At 6’4” by the time he graduated, he possessed the frame of a tight end or a defensive end, which could have allowed him to play on either side of the ball during his prep career. While no box-score data or news articles from NJ.com or local outlets reference Johnson by name, his eventual rise to the NFL suggests he was a physically dominant presence who improved through repetition and development. High school athletes who go undrafted but sign with NFL teams often benefit from strong final seasons, coaching connections, or showcases that help them gain visibility.

College Career

Juwan Johnson attended Oregon.

NFL Draft

Juwan Johnson went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, marking the first major professional milestone in his football career. Undrafted players typically face significant challenges in securing roster spots, as NFL teams prioritize drafted prospects who have undergone extensive scouting and development cycles. Johnson’s omission from the draft occurred despite participating in the pre-draft process, which likely included a combination of college Pro Days, the NFL Combine, and private workouts with teams. Many undrafted free agents sign with teams shortly after the draft concludes, often joining practice squads or competing for final roster spots during training camp.

Johnson’s undrafted status placed him in a competitive bracket of hundreds of players vying for limited opportunities. His physical profile—6’4” and 231 pounds—provided an intriguing blend of size and athleticism for a tight end, traits that NFL evaluators value for red-zone targets and blocking schemes. However, without a collegiate resume or statistical record, Johnson lacked the conventional metrics that scouts use to project readiness. Despite this, his eventual signings and roster appearances demonstrated that teams saw untapped potential in his profile. Undrafted players who succeed often rely on strong work ethic, coaching evaluations, and underdog narratives, all of which became central themes in Johnson’s early professional journey.

Professional Career

Juwan Johnson’s NFL journey began after the 2019 draft when he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2019. The Saints, under head coach Sean Payton and later Dennis Allen, have a history of evaluating and developing undrafted talent, as evidenced by players like Adam Prentice and Garrett Griffin. Johnson joined a tight end group that included veterans such as Jared Cook and Josh Hill, as well as emerging players like Tommy Stevens. His initial assignment placed him on the practice squad, a common pathway for undrafted rookies seeking to acclimate to the professional level.

During his rookie season, Johnson participated in practice squad drills and special teams units. He was elevated to the active roster on December 18, 2019, for the Saints’ Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts. Though he did not record a catch in that contest, his elevation signaled the organization’s confidence in his developmental trajectory. After the season, he signed a reserve/futures contract in January 2020, securing his place on the roster entering the following campaign.

Johnson made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, in the Saints’ Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He appeared in 14 regular-season games, contributing primarily as a blocking tight end and special teamer. He recorded his first career reception on November 8, 2020, against the Atlanta Falcons, hauling in a 17-yard touchdown pass from Taysom Hill. The play exemplified Johnson’s role as a red-zone option and athletic matchup creator, as Hill’s improvisational style often created opportunities in the passing game. Johnson finished his second professional season with three receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown, along with three special teams tackles.

The 2021 season marked Johnson’s breakthrough year. He appeared in 17 games, starting two, and significantly increased his production. He caught 22 passes for 213 yards and five touchdowns, becoming a go-to option in the Saints’ red-zone offense. His touchdown total led all Saints tight ends that year and showcased his developing chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston. One of his most memorable performances came in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded three receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including a 21-yard score in the fourth quarter that helped seal a victory. His physical presence and ability to win contested catches highlighted his growth as a receiver.

Entering the 2022 season, Johnson was poised for an expanded role under new head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. He played in all 17 games, starting 14, and set career highs with 44 receptions for 454 yards and five touchdowns. His role expanded beyond the red zone as he became a reliable chains-mover and underneath receiver. His best statistical game came in Week 13 against the Steelers, where he caught four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Johnson also contributed on special teams, recording 12 tackles over his career, demonstrating his versatility.

The 2023 season brought new challenges as the Saints transitioned to a run-heavy offense under rookie quarterback Derek Carr. Johnson remained a consistent presence, appearing in 16 games and starting six. He caught 36 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining a balanced role in the passing game. His blocking contributions were particularly valued in a scheme that relied heavily on the ground attack. Though his receiving numbers dipped slightly from the previous year, Johnson’s reliability in pass protection and red-zone execution kept him in the rotation. His most notable play came in Week 10 against the 49ers, where he caught a crucial 12-yard pass on third-and-long to extend a drive.

Through the 2024 offseason and into the regular season, Johnson has continued to establish himself as a core special teamer and situational tight end. His four-year tenure with the Saints has included 64 receptions for 652 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 15 special teams tackles. While not a primary target, Johnson’s role aligns with the modern NFL’s emphasis on versatile tight ends who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. His ability to win jump balls, block on the edge, and execute assignments has earned him a reputation as a reliable professional.

Playing Style & Strengths

Juwan Johnson’s playing style is defined by a combination of physical attributes and functional football skills that suit the modern tight end role. At 6’4” and 231 pounds, Johnson possesses ideal size for a seam-and-zone threat, allowing him to line up as an H-back or inline blocker while still winning contested catches. His wingspan and body control enable him to extend and pluck passes out of the air, a skill that has been particularly valuable in the red zone. His vertical presence creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties, a trait that offensive coordinators increasingly exploit in designing plays.

Johnson is most effective when used in play-action and bootleg concepts, where his size allows him to release vertically and threaten the intermediate and deep layers of the defense. He is not a burner, but his acceleration and route-running precision allow him to separate in the short-to-intermediate game. His hands are a strength; he rarely drops catchable passes, demonstrating consistent ball-tracking ability. In the Saints’ offense under Sean Payton and later Pete Carmichael, Johnson benefited from play designs that featured him as a primary read in the flat or as a seam runner, where he could use his body to shield defenders.

Defensively, Johnson is an asset as a blocker, particularly on the perimeter, where he can seal edge defenders and create lanes for outside runs or play-action fakes. His effort level in pass protection is high, and he uses his length to sustain blocks against linebackers and defensive linemen. While he is not a mauler in the run game, he excels at positioning and leverage, helping to sustain drives by controlling defenders in space. His willingness to block downfield on screens and quick passes adds another dimension to his value as a possession tight end.

Statistically, Johnson’s production has been modest but impactful in key moments. His best seasons came when he was targeted frequently in the red zone or on third downs, where his size and physicality created high-percentage opportunities. His five-touchdown total in 2021 demonstrated his role as a security blanket in critical situations, particularly with Jameis Winston at quarterback. Johnson’s yards per reception average hovers around 10, indicating he is used primarily as a chain-mover rather than a deep threat.

Another strength is Johnson’s special teams contributions. He has been a regular on coverage and return units, accumulating 15 tackles over his career. Special teams play is often an underrated pathway to extended NFL careers, and Johnson’s willingness to contribute in this area has helped him maintain roster stability.

Areas for improvement include route-running refinement and deeper vertical speed. Johnson’s top-end speed is adequate but not elite, which limits his potential as a seam stretcher. Additionally, while his hands are reliable, he has faced issues with concentration on deeper passes, as evidenced by a few drops in high-leverage moments. Improving his consistency in getting off the line of scrimmage against press coverage would elevate his role as a complete tight end.

Personal Life

Juwan Johnson maintains a private personal life, keeping details about his family, relationships, and off-field activities largely out of the public eye. He is active on social media platforms where he occasionally shares motivational content and football-related posts, but he does not engage in extensive commentary about his personal affairs. Johnson appears to prioritize a focused approach to his professional career, a trait common among undrafted players who must outwork expectations to remain relevant.

He is involved in charitable initiatives in the New Orleans community, including visits to local hospitals and youth football camps. New Orleans has a strong culture of community engagement among its athletes, and Johnson has participated in events that support underserved youth, emphasizing education and athletic development. His presence in the city has been well-received, particularly among Saints fans who appreciate his blue-collar approach to the game.

Johnson has also built relationships within the Saints organization, family members of teammates, and coaching staff. His professional demeanor and work ethic have been noted by teammates, who describe him as a relentless worker in practice. While he has not been publicly linked to endorsement deals or high-profile sponsorships, his steady contributions on the field have solidified his reputation as a dependable teammate.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Juwan Johnson’s NFL career represents a quintessential underdog narrative—an undrafted tight end from a modest high school background who carved out a meaningful role in one of the league’s most storied franchises. His journey underscores the value of versatility, adaptability, and resilience in professional football. Over six years in the league, Johnson has transitioned from an afterthought in training camp to a trusted contributor in the Saints’ locker room, a testament to his mental fortitude and work ethic.

As of the 2024 season, Johnson is entering the latter stage of his prime, with his physical attributes still intact but the wear of an NFL career beginning to accumulate. His future with the Saints appears secure in the short term, particularly given the team’s reliance on veteran tight ends in developmental roles. However, the NFL’s evolving offensive schemes, which increasingly favor moveable chess pieces like hybrid tight ends and fullbacks, may influence how Johnson is deployed.

Johnson’s legacy within the Saints organization is likely to be that of a reliable, if unspectacular, professional who maximized his physical gifts. While he may never be a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end, his contributions in blocking, red-zone play, and special teams have provided tangible value. His ability to step into critical moments—such as his two-touchdown performance in a Week 17 win over the Falcons—ensures his name will be remembered by fans who appreciate clutch contributions from lesser-known players.

Looking ahead, Johnson’s immediate future may involve a transition to a different team, either as a free agent or through a trade, particularly if the Saints elect to pursue youth at the tight end position. Teams seeking an experienced blocking tight end or red-zone specialist could view him as a viable option, especially in the NFC where offensive systems vary widely. Given his familiarity with the Saints’ playbook and culture, Johnson might also pursue a role in coaching or scouting with the organization, leveraging his institutional knowledge.

On a broader level, Johnson’s career serves as encouragement for undrafted players across the league. It demonstrates that persistence, professionalism, and adaptability can outweigh the absence of a draft selection. His story resonates in a league where roster turnover is constant and opportunities are earned through effort rather than hype. Whether he plays one more season or transitions into a post-football career, Juwan Johnson’s journey is a reminder of the unscripted paths that define professional sports.