**Saints Sign Veteran Tight End Amid Juwan Johnson’s Foot Injury**
With veteran tight end Juwan Johnson undergoing foot surgery, the New Orleans Saints have brought in another veteran tight end to the team.
During the mandatory minicamp, it was reported that Juwan Johnson, the team’s top tight end, would be sidelined due to foot surgery. Although Johnson is expected to be out for a while, the belief is that he will be ready for the regular season. With the team on break until training camp starts in late July, Johnson has time to recover.
However, the Saints are preparing for the possibility that Johnson might be out longer than anticipated. Recently, New Orleans signed veteran tight end Jesper Horsted to ensure depth in the tight end position.
**Saints Sign Tight End Jesper Horsted**
Horsted entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Princeton in 2019. He spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears and the last two with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has already played one season with Saints quarterback Derek Carr, although their on-field interaction during regular season games was limited.
Horsted’s career production has been modest, playing in 41 total games. In 2019, he caught eight passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. In 2021, he had two catches for 21 yards, both of which were touchdowns. In 2022, he recorded three receptions for 19 yards, and in 2023, he had one catch for four yards. Despite this, he has contributed significantly on special teams, participating in nearly 50% or more of his team’s special teams snaps in three of his four active seasons.
If Horsted makes the roster in New Orleans, it will likely be for his special teams contributions. With Juwan Johnson expected to be ready for the season, Taysom Hill still in the mix, and promising rookie Dallin Holker, Horsted will probably serve as a depth piece and special teams player.
