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Broncos Tried Landing Saints Tight End in Free Agency
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Broncos Tried Landing Saints Tight End in Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Kevin Kissner  |  Last updated Mar 19, 2025 10:16 AM ET

Heading into the offseason, it appeared the top priority for the Denver Broncos was landing more weapons to help the development of quarterback, Bo Nix. 

The Broncos signed multiple defensive players, but they also signed veteran tight end, Evan Engram to a two-year contract. There's also some news that head coach Sean Payton was trying to land a tight end that he was familiar with.

During a press conference and speaking with the media, New Orleans Saints tight end, Juwan Johnson mentioned that Payton had tried to sign him.

“Obviously, Sean [Payton] was trying to get me from the Broncos." James also named the Seattle Seahawks as another team that tried to sign him because of their new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, who he spent last season with. 

Johnson eventually signed a three-year deal with the Saints worth up to $34.5 million with $21.2 million guaranteed. 

In 2020, Johnson went undrafted and signed with the Saints on their practice squad before getting playing time later that season. Johnson spent the next four seasons with the Saints by appearing in 60 games.

Last season, Johnson caught 50 passes for 548 yards and three touchdowns. 

Payton coached Johnson in 2020 and 2021.

There's no clear answer if the Broncos were trying to land both, Johnson and Engram, or if they were targeting Johnson first.

Either way, the Broncos landed an explosive tight end who nearly had 1,000 yards in 2023 and was on pace for nearly 700 yards last season. 

Adding Engram with Nix and the rest of his receiving weapons, there's no doubt the Denver offense has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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