Tight End Targets That Could Attract Interest From The New Orleans Saints In Free Agency
New Orleans Saints tight ends Juwan Johnson, Jimmy Graham, and Foster Moreau combined for 64 receptions, 600 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2023. Even factoring in Taysom Hill and his 33 catches for 291 yards and two scores, Saints tight ends averaged just 25 receptions for 223 yards.
Some blame goes to the former offensive coaches, who didn't get Johnson or Graham involved nearly enough in the offense. However, the team may still look to add another two-way threat at the position this offseason. Especially with the 37-year-old Graham entering free agency.
NFL free agency officially begins on Wednesday. The Saints won't have a lot of salary cap space for big moves, but should be able to address a few of their needs. Tight end isn't necessarily a major need. However, there are a few names that the team could pursue for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and his system.
(age and previous team in parentheses)
• Gerald Everett (29 - Chargers)
• Hayden Hurst (30 - Panthers)
• Irv Smith Jr. (25 - Bengals)
• Mike Gesicki (28 - Patriots)
• Austin Hooper (29 - Raiders)
• Noah Fant (26 - Seahawks)
Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst (81) tries to stiff arm Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23). Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Everett might be the best player left at this position heading into free agency. A big target at 6'3" and 250-Lbs., Everett also has the athleticism to create matchup advantages over linebackers. He's not a great blocker but is a legitimate in-line tight end capable of being a big part of the passing game.
There are injury concerns surrounding Hurst, who suffered a serious head/neck injury that cost him the last eight games of last year. Outside of that, Hurst is a competent blocker who also has the athletic ability and route skills to be a valuable receiver off the line or from the slot.
Son of former Saints TE Irv Smith Sr., Irv Smith Jr. has dealt with injuries through most of his four-year career. His blocking isn't as good as his father's, but he's probably a better pure receiver. If he stays healthy, Smith has the potential to be a free agent steal. He also played for new Saints offensive coaches Kubiak and Rick Dennison in his first few seasons with the Vikings.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. (81) catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Gesicki has flashed the potential of an excellent pass catcher through his six-year career, though underused the last two seasons. At 6'6" and 245-Lbs., Gesicki is a lean target. He's an adequate blocker but presents key matchup advantages for the passing game.
Used mostly as a blocker throughout his career, Hooper is also an underrated pass catcher. He isn't the athlete as the others on this list, but gets a consistent release off the line to be a quality intermediate option.
Like Smith, Fant is a former high draft choice that's fallen a little short of expectations. In Fant's case, he's been in limited offenses with often subpar quarterback play. Still, he's an athletic pass catcher with the upside as a blocker to be an every down player.
New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch against the Buffalo Bills. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Klint Kubiak's offense uses tight ends in multiple ways. Juwan Johnson has shown capable of being a legitimate receiving option. The addition of another tight end, especially one with good blocking ability who can get consistent release off the line, would make Johnson even more effective.
It's possible that New Orleans targets this position out of what looks like a fairly deep draft class. Some mock drafts even have the Saints taking Georgia TE Brock Bowers with the 14th pick of the first round.
As noted above, there will also be several quality tight ends available in free agency. The position doesn't necessarily command a big salary on the open market, meaning that the Saints could add a new weapon for Klint Kubiak without a big hit to their salary cap.
