New Orleans, Louisiana — The New Orleans Saints are entering a crucial stage of their offseason preparation with a major question at the tight end position as Juwan Johnson’s long-term availability continues to receive significant attention.
Kellen Moore’s team understands that relying completely on the health of their top receiving tight end could create major risks, especially when the Saints’ goal remains competing for a playoff spot and building a stronger foundation around their young offensive core.
In that situation, New Orleans’ front office is considering an experienced addition to the offense, ensuring the team can maintain its production if Johnson is not at his best physical condition or misses time during the season.
The name being mentioned the most is Jonnu Smith, a former Pro Bowl tight end who is currently drawing interest from multiple teams looking to add depth and experience to their roster.
An internal source revealed that the Saints have started the negotiation process with the veteran player, as both sides highly value the potential fit between Smith and Kellen Moore’s offensive system.
Smith made a major impact during his NFL career after being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, quickly becoming one of the league’s most energetic and versatile tight ends.
The peak of his career came during the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he delivered an outstanding performance with 88 receptions, 884 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns.
That impressive performance helped Smith earn his first Pro Bowl selection, becoming one of the NFL’s standout tight ends that season.
Beyond individual achievements, what makes New Orleans especially interested is the player’s durability throughout his professional career.
Across 9 NFL seasons, Smith has missed only 6 regular-season games and has never missed more than 3 games in any single season.
That is an important factor as the Saints need a player who can immediately contribute without requiring too much time to adjust to a new environment.
Previously, Smith signed a 4-year, $50 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021 after his impressive performances with Tennessee.
Although he has not maintained his peak form in recent seasons, his experience at the highest level is still viewed as a valuable asset for a team looking to compete in the NFC.
Kellen Moore is reportedly impressed by the former Pro Bowl tight end’s blocking ability, route-running versatility, and experience performing in high-pressure situations.
For the Saints, this is not a move intended to replace Juwan Johnson, but rather a plan to protect the roster against unexpected risks and give the offense more flexibility in multiple tight end formations.
If the deal is completed, Smith could become a reliable partner alongside Johnson while also giving quarterback Tyler Shough another experienced receiving option.
In recent seasons, New Orleans has prioritized roster depth in order to overcome injury problems and maintain competitiveness throughout a demanding NFL schedule.
Adding a player who once recorded an 884-yard, 8-touchdown season would provide additional stability to an offense that is entering a new era under Kellen Moore.
Saints fans are waiting for the final decision, as the team could soon complete a move considered a smart investment before the new season.
For Moore, having another experienced tight end could become the difference that helps New Orleans continue building toward its goal of returning to NFL contention.
