​The New Orleans Saints are positioned to boast a substantially improved offense in 2026. With a fresh infusion of dynamic talent, a full offseason for quarterback Tyler Shough, the strategic guidance of Kellen Moore, and what could be one of the most formidable offensive lines the team has fielded in years, the pieces appear to be in place for an exciting and productive season. Yet, with so many weapons at their disposal, certain players might need to adjust their roles or production in 2026. Bleacher Report’s latest predictions suggest that the tight end position could be a focal point of this shifting dynamic.
In a recent piece forecasting potential 2026 busts for each NFL team, Bleacher Report identified Juwan Johnson as the Saints’ most likely candidate to underperform relative to the prior season. The analysis notes that Johnson enjoyed a breakout 2025, posting career-best numbers across several receiving categories: 77 receptions, 889 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. However, the projection for 2026 implies he may not approach those lofty totals.
The Saints’ draft strategy this year underscores a broader shift at the skill positions. They selected wide receivers Jordyn Tyson in the first round and Bryce Lance in the fourth, signaling a continued emphasis on expanding the passing game with diverse and high-upside targets. Additionally, the club added tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp, with Fant having the immediate potential to contribute in the passing game and Delp likely offering upside as he develops.
The reasoning presented by Bleacher Report centers on the simple fact that more options typically translate to fewer targets for any single player, particularly within the tight end room. If Fant and Delp are heavily utilized, Johnson could see his opportunities diminish as the offense diversifies its attack. Fant, in particular, comes with a proven track record—334 career receptions, 3,593 yards, and 18 touchdowns—making him a credible and immediate threat that defenses must respect. Delp, while younger and less proven, represents a development piece with the potential to climb into a significant role as he matures within the Saints’ system.
This line of thinking aligns with the broader reality of a modern Saints offense that is transitioning into a more expansive passing attack. Using multiple tight ends and a deeper receiving corps can unlock creative play-calling and keep defenses off balance. However, it also introduces the risk that Johnson may no longer be the primary target in the middle of the field, particularly in two- and three-tight-end sets where Fant and Delp could be featured more prominently.
There is, however, another layer to consider beyond the straightforward talent influx. Johnson’s value isn’t solely measured by catches and yards; his reliability, presence in the red zone, and blocking contributions can still make him a crucial asset. Johnson has experienced both highs and lows in his career, with drops, fumbles, and occasional missed blocks complicating the picture. Even when the offense was thriving, those inconsistencies sometimes hindered drives and created unfavorable situations. If he can minimize these miscues and maintain a dependable floor, his role could remain meaningful, even if his ceiling is not as high as in 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026, the expectation set by Bleacher Report is that Johnson’s production could dip as the Saints broaden their arsenal. However, such a decline would not necessarily equate to a failure or a poor contribution to the offense. In fact, it could reflect a healthier, more balanced attack that keeps opponents guessing and creates more scoring opportunities for multiple players. A reduced stats figure for Johnson might be acceptable from a team perspective if it coincides with more efficient offense, more consistent performances, and better overall team results.
From a broader perspective, the situation presents a classic case of transition rather than decline. The Saints are entering a phase where the offense can no longer rely on a single set of options to generate yardage and points. The presence of Fant and Delp gives the team two versatile tight ends who can line up in various formations, block in the run game, and threaten the defense as receiving targets. Fant’s established production and Delp’s potential upside add a layer of complexity for opposing defenses: who do you double, and how do you allocate resources to neutralize their impact without leaving Johnson or the new receivers open?
In evaluating Johnson’s future in this environment, it’s essential to consider the potential for growth in other areas that can indirectly bolster his effectiveness. For instance, a more potent rushing attack could draw attention away from Johnson and reduce the pressure that forces him into difficult catches. An improved protection scheme could give Shough more time to survey the field, enabling Johnson to execute routes more cleanly and reduce the likelihood of contested catches that contribute to interceptions or incomplete passes. Additionally, the chemistry between Shough and his targets—especially Fant, Delp, Tyson, and Lance—will influence how defenses align and where opportunities emerge for each player, including Johnson.
Ultimately, predicting a “bust” at any position hinges on multiple variables: the health of the players, the development of the rookies and second-year players, the efficiency of the offense as a whole, and the coaching staff’s ability to balance distributing targets with maximizing explosive plays. The Saints appear to be threading a fine needle: expanding the passing game, maintaining a strong core of veterans, and integrating new talents without sacrificing the established strengths that helped them succeed. If Johnson’s role does decrease, it could be a sign of a more dynamic, multi-faceted offense doing what it takes to maximize versatility and scoring potential. Yet, even if his target share declines, Johnson could still contribute meaningfully through improved blocking, red-zone presence, and situational usage that leverages the defense’s focus on Fant, Delp, and the rookie receivers.
In summary, the 2026 Saints offense is positioned to be more potent and varied, driven by a combination of refined quarterback play, thoughtful offensive design, and a deeper, more skilled group of weapons. While Bleacher Report’s projection casts Johnson as a potential 2026 bust due to the influx of alternative targets, this outlook reflects the broader strategic shift rather than a verdict on Johnson’s value. The real measure will be how effectively the Saints coordinate this wealth of talent into a cohesive, high-efficiency attack, and whether Johnson can adapt to a more nuanced role that leverages his strengths while complementing the expanded receiving corps. If the team can achieve this balance, the anticipated improvement in the offense could far surpass any single player’s statistical decline, delivering a compelling and competitive unit throughout the 2026 season.