The New Orleans Saints are keeping another familiar face and their leading wide receiver from the 2024 season.
The team has agreed to a three-year extension for Juwan Johnson, according to a report from the NFL Network. The deal is worth $30.75 million and up to $34.5 million if all incentives are reached, of that total, $21.5M is guaranteed.
The extension is the second major deal reached by the team ahead of the official start of free agency, with the Saints also reaching terms on a 3-year, $51 million deal with edge rusher Chase Young.
Johnson returns to New Orleans for a 6th NFL season after joining the team as a UDFA wide receiver in 2020. He was converted to a tight end ahead of the 2021 season. While his production has been somewhat inconsistent, Johnson did lead the Saints last season with 50 catches for 548 yards, along with three touchdowns. The Saints are shifting to a new offensive scheme under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, something that could stand to benefit the TE position.
The Saints haven't yet agreed to terms on any free agent deals, but have had a pair of players in CB Paulson Adebo and S Will Harris sign elsewhere. The team has restructured several contracts to move under the salary cap after beginning the process with a $50 million overage.