The New Orleans Saints' offseason has drawn criticism, culminating in a failing grade from Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport. The Saints' limited activity was overshadowed by questionable contracts awarded to Chase Young and Juwan Johnson. Young's deal, valued at $17 million per year following a modest output of 5.5 sacks, raised eyebrows, suggesting a disconnect between his performance and pay scale. Johnson's contract, while slightly lower at over $10 million annually, also drew critique for its lack of justification, given that his production could have garnered a lesser figure elsewhere. Critics argue that such inflated contracts for underperforming players reflect poorly on the Saints' overall strategy, especially in a quiet offseason where other moves were minimal.

Tyler Shough, a quarterback who has played for Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, is now a strong draft target for the New Orleans Saints as he prepares for his rookie season. His college journey, primarily spent backing up Justin Herbert at Oregon, coincided with several Saints players, most notably tight end Juwan Johnson, who transferred to the Ducks during Shough's tenure. Although they didn't connect on any passes while on the field together, their shared experiences provide an intriguing backdrop for Shough's transition to the NFL.

Shough's extensive college career, spanning five years, has become a pivotal part of his narrative. Injuries have affected his playing time, but he has learned and developed alongside players like Ugo Amadi, Calvin Throckmorton, and Shane Lemieux, all of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. This long college tenure has made him well-versed in the nuances of the game, and his familiarity with Saints players could enhance his integration into the team.

Kellen Moore's appointment as the new Saints head coach has ignited excitement among players and fans alike. Brandin Cooks, a seasoned receiver, praised Moore's ability to utilize every player’s strengths effectively, highlighting his track record with past teams like the Cowboys and Chargers.

Moore's coaching philosophy revolves around adaptability, ensuring the offensive strategy complements the talent at hand. This could lead to a dynamic offense, featuring emerging stars like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and maximizing the untapped potential of players like Juwan Johnson.

Mason Taylor, the standout tight end from LSU, recently visited the New Orleans Saints' practice facility as he gears up for the 2025 NFL Draft. This visit follows an earlier interaction at LSU's pro day, where he connected with former Saints tight end Josh Hill, now part of the scouting department. The Saints are reportedly considering bolstering their tight end position, especially with recent injuries affecting current players like Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill. Despite Juwan Johnson's recent contract, uncertainty remains about his consistency, making Taylor an appealing option with his impressive college stats of 129 receptions and 1,308 yards.

Juwan Johnson has returned to the New Orleans Saints after exploring free agency, with interest from teams like the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks, who are familiar with his playing style. Johnson reflected on the appeal of these teams, largely due to the influence of former coaches Sean Payton and Klint Kubiak, who both sought to bring him into their systems. The allure of continuity and familiarity played a significant role in his decision to stay with the Saints.

Despite the changes in the Saints' coaching staff, Johnson's potential as a reliable tight end remains intact as he aims to capitalize on the trust his previous coaches have in his abilities. This season, the pressure will be on offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to help Johnson reach his ceiling, enhancing the tight end's contributions within the Saints' offense.