On Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in New Orleans, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, New Orleans tight end Juwan Johnson (83), celebrates his touchdown catch. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo)AP
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson knows who the Saints’ starting quarterback in 2024. The question of who will be the team’s starting quarterback hasn’t always been so clear-cut since Johnson joined the team in 2020.
Longtime quarterback Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season and Johnson has caught passes from a bunch of quarterbacks since Brees’ departure.
The tight end and former Oregon Ducks’ star has caught passes from Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, Jameis Winston, Ian Book and Andy Dalton before the Saints signed Derek Carr before the 2023 season.
Following a season-long knee ailment that kept him out of four games, Johnson caught 37 catches in 13 games in 2023 for 368 yards and four touchdowns. In comparison to his breakthrough year of 2022, when he caught 42 passes for 508 yards and the team-high seven touchdowns in 16 games, the output was lower.
Carr is anticipated to start every game in 2024 after starting every one in 2023. Johnson expressed his excitement at Carr’s return and wants to put an end to the quarterback turnover.
Since I’ve been in the NFL, I’ve caught passes from roughly eight different quarterbacks, Johnson said to foxnews.com. “My relationship with Derek has been going very well. I believe that we’ve always had a wonderful relationship. We are united by our beliefs, but I believe it’s really fun
Carr will be present for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and offseason training as the current holder of the position. Johnson, an undrafted free agent who joined the Saints in 2020, expressed excitement about getting to know Carr throughout the offseason.
Johnson remarked, “I’m going to see him in a couple of weeks just to build chemistry.” “I believe that the friendship aspect is what endures both on and off the field.” It’s just enjoyable for us. Simply establishing a friendship and observing how that affects the field.
