Canal Street Chronicles
The New Orleans Saints kicked off their 2025 season on Sunday at Caesars Superdome with a 20-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s take a look at two overreactions from Week 1.
Juwan Johnson will lead the Saints in receiving yards and receptions in 2025.
The 28-year-old tight end turned in a promising performance Sunday, hauling in eight of 11 targets for 76 yards, including three contested catches. After one game, Johnson is technically on pace for 136 receptions and 1,292 yards in year six.
Earlier this offseason, HC Kellen Moore said he had about an hour-long phone conversation with Johnson to persuade him to stay in New Orleans while he weighed his options in free agency. Moore claimed he had a prominent role carved out for Johnson in the scheme he was bringing over.
Johnson ended up signing a three-year, $30.75 million deal to stay with the Saints and evidently was a key part of Moore’s offense on Sunday against Arizona. This could be the breakout season we’ve all been patiently waiting for.
New Orleans will take a corner early in the 2026 draft.
The 2024 second-round pick out of Alabama struggled on Sunday after entering the season as the team’s lead cornerback for the first time.
McKinstry recorded five tackles, two stops, and a pass breakup, but he also missed a tackle and allowed four receptions on six targets for 55 yards, including a Marvin Harrison Jr. touchdown.
While I expect McKinstry to bounce back, I can’t say I’m very confident in the depth behind him after Sunday’s matchup. Veteran defensive back Isaac Yiadom allowed four receptions on five targets for 36 yards and missed a tackle, and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley wasn’t given much of an opportunity.
Looking ahead, investing early in the talented 2026 draft class for cornerback help could be a wise move.
