As the offseason training activities (OTAs) are in full swing, one of the most intriguing areas for the New Orleans Saints is their tight end group. Despite a wealth of talent within the roster, a few key players are currently sidelined, which could impact the team’s early preparations.
Star tight end Taysom Hill, renowned for his versatility, suffered a torn ACL during Week 13 of the previous season. Additionally, Foster Moreau, who was expected to be a significant contributor, sustained a knee injury in the final game of the 2024 campaign. According to NFL insider Nick Underhill, neither player is expected to participate in on-field drills until training camp at the earliest.
“Taysom and Moreau won’t be available until camp,” – Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill), May 22, 2025
This situation is likely the best-case scenario for Hill, considering the severity of his injury. Nonetheless, it opens up considerable opportunities for other players in the tight end room to showcase their skills during OTAs and mini-camps.
Among the available options, Juwan Johnson stands out as the primary candidate to step into a prominent role. Not only does he bring experience to the position, but his production last season-548 receiving yards and three touchdowns-demonstrates his capability. Johnson’s imposing frame allows him to operate as a hybrid tight end/receiver, and interestingly, he previously shared a dorm room with Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough at Oregon, hinting at a potential chemistry boost.
In addition to Johnson, the Saints bolstered their tight end corps by signing Jack Stoll during free agency. Stoll has been somewhat of a journeyman, spending significant time with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a stint last season working with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. His skill set appears to lean toward blocking and gritty in-line work, providing a valuable complement to the more pass-catching-oriented tight ends on the roster.
Further adding to the competition, the Saints selected UCLA’s Moliki Matavao in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Standing 6’6″ and weighing 260 pounds, Matavao had a solid college career, dropping only one pass in 2024. His size and athleticism suggest he could quickly earn snaps, especially given the current injury concerns. Despite being a late-round pick, he was highly regarded coming out of the transfer portal and offers much-needed depth at a critical position.
It’s noteworthy that the team has not brought in many additional tight ends to challenge the incumbents, which could indicate that both Moreau and Hill are expected to recover fully and be ready for camp. For now, Juwan Johnson is likely to enter as the starting tight end, but the emerging competition among the backups is vital for maintaining a healthy, versatile unit. Stoll’s familiarity with Moore’s offensive system could allow him to step in quickly and contribute, especially if Moreau and Hill are not fully ready when the season begins.
Looking ahead, if either of the depth players impress during OTAs, we might see Hill utilized in even more diverse roles-perhaps even in positions beyond tight end, such as fullback or H-back. While he may not be suited for nose tackle, his athleticism and versatility make him a candidate for creative usage, which could add an unpredictable element to the Saints’ offensive schemes.
