Juwan Johnson Rejects Saints’ Offer, Signs $36 Million Deal with Seahawks
In a significant shift in the free agency market, tight end Juwan Johnson has decided to leave the New Orleans Saints after rejecting their contract extension offer. Instead, he has agreed to a lucrative three-year, $36 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, a move that has reshaped the Saints’ offseason plans and strengthened Seattle’s offensive lineup.
Johnson Turns Down Saints’ Proposal
The New Orleans Saints were keen on retaining Johnson, offering him a three-year contract reportedly worth around $30 million, with $21.25 million guaranteed. The deal was designed to secure Johnson’s future in New Orleans and provide quarterback Derek Carr with a reliable receiving option at tight end. However, despite the Saints’ efforts to keep him, Johnson opted to explore other opportunities, ultimately choosing to accept a more lucrative contract from Seattle.
Seahawks Secure a Key Offensive Weapon
Seattle aggressively pursued Johnson throughout free agency, viewing him as a vital addition to their offensive scheme. The Seahawks’ offer, totaling $36 million over three years, not only provided a higher overall salary than New Orleans’ proposal but also included incentives that could further boost Johnson’s earnings. With Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, seeking to build a more dynamic passing attack, Johnson’s versatility and red-zone efficiency made him an attractive target.
Why Johnson Chose Seattle
Several factors influenced Johnson’s decision to leave the Saints. The financial aspect was crucial, as Seattle’s offer exceeded the Saints’ by $6 million, making it difficult to turn down. Additionally, the opportunity to play in a system that values athletic tight ends likely appealed to him. Under Kubiak’s offensive play-calling, Johnson could see an increased role, particularly in red-zone situations where he has already proven effective.
Furthermore, Seattle’s quarterback situation played a role in the decision. With Geno Smith leading the offense and competition from young talent in the Seahawks’ quarterback room, the team is looking to build a strong receiving core to support their passing game. Johnson is expected to complement Seattle’s existing playmakers and provide a reliable target in both short-yardage and deep-passing situations.
Saints Now Face Tight End Depth Issues
For New Orleans, Johnson’s departure presents a new challenge. The Saints were hoping to maintain continuity in their offense by keeping their top weapons intact, but his exit leaves them searching for a replacement at tight end. Taysom Hill remains a versatile option, but the team may now look toward free agency or the draft to add depth at the position.
Potential targets for the Saints could include veteran free agents or draft prospects who fit their offensive scheme. The team might also consider promoting a player from within their roster to fill Johnson’s role, though finding someone with his level of production and chemistry with Carr will not be easy.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Seahawks, landing Johnson is a significant win. His presence adds depth to their receiving corps, providing Smith with another dependable option in crucial game situations. With his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches, Johnson could be a game-changer for Seattle’s offense.
For the Saints, the focus now shifts to adjusting their offensive strategy without Johnson. His absence will be felt, but New Orleans still has weapons in Chris Olave, Michael Thomas (if he remains healthy), and Rashid Shaheed. The team will need to address the tight end position to ensure they don’t lose a critical part of their offensive playbook.
Final Thoughts
Juwan Johnson’s decision to decline the Saints’ extension and accept Seattle’s offer marks a significant change for both franchises. The Seahawks gain a proven playmaker, while the Saints must now regroup and find a new solution at tight end. As the NFL offseason continues, this move could have a lasting impact on the dynamics of both teams heading into the 2025 season.