The Denver Broncos may not need a tight end as much as expected. Not because they own one. It is because an ideal candidate, pending free agent Juwan Johnson, has openly expressed his desire to sign with the organization.
Johnson, 28, was an undrafted free agent from Penn State in 2020. He signed with the New Orleans Saints, who were then coached by Sean Payton, the Broncos head coach.
He has wonderful memories of that time and would love the opportunity to join the Broncos in free agency in 2025.
“I just want to be somewhere where I’m wanted and valued, and that’s my main priority,” Johnson told 9News’ Mike Klis on February 7. “If it is Denver, it will be Denver. “If it’s somewhere else, it’s somewhere else.”
“[Payton] is a coach who was very intentional. He was a coach who was quite severe on you. As seen in films of him and Russell [Wilson]. But that’s exactly how he operates between the lines. Outside of the lines, he’s incredibly friendly and all that. In the lines, you’ll encounter a demanding coach who wants the best for you and strives to get the most out of his players.”
Johnson, who described playing for Payton as “great,” caught 50 receptions for 548 yards and three scores in 2024.
He is entering free agency after completing a two-year, $12 million contract.
Juwan Johnson, a Saints tight end, profiles as a good fit for the Broncos
Johnson’s viewpoint is consistent with what Payton believes the Broncos need to add to their squad this offseason.
Johnson, while not the finest blocker, is a spectacular receiver.
“We do evaluate our teams. And the goal is to determine what we call musts, needs, and wants,” Payton told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” on February 5. “I think we need a ‘joker.’
“They have to be elite receivers that play tight end or running back, and then you get the matchups,” Payton said with Adams. “We had quite a few of them here [with the Saints].”
“During his five years with the New Orleans Saints, Johnson has proven himself to be a solid athlete with the ability to score. He’s scored 18 touchdowns in the last four seasons and averaged 11.1 yards per reception—a statistic that demonstrates his potential as a downfield threat as well as a red-zone safety net,” Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay wrote in January.
“While the 6’4″, 231-pounder is a poor blocker and may be limited in certain schemes and scenarios as a result, he remains a dangerous receiver who will find his way onto the field frequently due to his ability to create mismatches.”
Johnson faced with quarterback inconsistency in 2024, with Derek Carr, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler each starting at least one game. Some of this was due to injuries.
Johnson would enjoy consistency with the Broncos, where Bo Nix is the starter.
Juwan Johnson Could Cash In During Free Agency.
Given the lack of choices for teams, the Broncos may still face stiff competition for Johnson’s services in free agency.
“A change of location could help Johnson develop into a more effective pass-catcher. Landing on a contending club with a strong quarterback could easily see the 28-year-old surpass his rather ordinary career highs of 50 receptions and 548 receiving yards established in 2024,” Kay said.
“Given the scarcity of quality veteran choices at his position on the open market this spring, Johnson may end up agreeing to a deal for somewhat more than market value. Regardless, there’s a good chance he exceeds expectations on what should still be a small, cap-friendly contract, and he could even reach double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career.”
Over The Cap estimates Johnson’s annual value at $6.8 million. OTC estimates that the Broncos have $34.8 million to spend. Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins are under contract with the Broncos through 2025.
Johnson may fill a need that the Broncos have had since Payton took over.
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