Ben Johnson and Hendon Hooker: A Potential Dynamic Duo For The Saints?

As the New Orleans Saints search for a spark to reignite their franchise, one intriguing possibility has emerged: the pairing of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Lions backup quarterback Hendon Hooker. With the Saints looking to address both their coaching and quarterback situations, bringing in this duo could provide the perfect combination of innovation and potential to lead New Orleans back to prominence.

Ben Johnson: An Offensive Mastermind

Ben Johnson has quickly risen through the coaching ranks as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds. In Detroit, Johnson has transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s most explosive units, ranking near the top in points per game and total yardage. His creativity in play design, ability to maximize talent, and aggressive yet balanced approach to offense make him a standout candidate for any head coaching vacancy.

For the Saints, Johnson’s offensive philosophy could be a game-changer. His system emphasizes versatility, misdirection, and maximizing the strengths of his personnel. A system that is very much similar to that of Mike Martz’s offense from St. Louis Rams’ Greatest Show On Turf days, a blueprint that could unlock the potential of a New Orleans roster that has struggled to find consistency in recent years. 

Hendon Hooker: A Quarterback with Untapped Potential

Hendon Hooker, a standout at Tennessee, brings an intriguing skill set to the table. Though he fell to the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft due to an ACL injury, his college production was nothing short of electric. Hooker showcased exceptional decision-making, a strong arm, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, leading the Volunteers to national prominence, and putting himself into the Heisman conversation as well.

While Hooker has spent his rookie season learning behind Jared Goff in Detroit, the opportunity to reunite with Johnson in New Orleans could accelerate his development. Johnson’s intimate knowledge of Hooker’s strengths and weaknesses would allow the quarterback to step into a system tailored to his abilities, creating an environment where he could thrive and show why he was one of the top quarterbacks in the nation while at Tennessee.

Why This Pairing Makes Sense for the Saints

1. A Rejuvenated Offense: The Saints’ offense has lacked identity since Drew Brees retired. Johnson’s innovative schemes, paired with Hooker’s dual-threat capabilities, could bring a fresh dynamic to the unit. Hooker’s ability to extend plays and operate efficiently in the red zone would complement Johnson’s knack for crafting mismatches.

2. Long-Term Stability: Hooker represents a potential long-term solution at quarterback for a franchise that has cycled through several options in recent years. Pairing him with Johnson, who could implement a system built for sustained success, provides the Saints with a foundation for the future.

3. Maximizing Young Talent: The Saints have promising young Wide Receivers like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Bub Means and you also still have Alvin Kamara. Johnson’s system would allow these weapons to flourish while Hooker’s mobility, accuracy, and arm strength could open up new dimensions in the passing and running game.

4. Affordable Upside: With the Saints’ salary cap challenges, a young quarterback like Hooker on a rookie contract offers financial flexibility. This pairing would allow the team to allocate resources to other areas, such as shoring up the offensive line or bolstering the defense. Hooker’s current contract is a 4Y-5M deal, a cap friendly deal. 

The Potential for Greatness

The prospect of Ben Johnson and Hendon Hooker in New Orleans is tantalizing. Johnson’s offensive brilliance and Hooker’s untapped potential create a synergy that could elevate the Saints back to contention in the NFC South. The pairing offers not just excitement but also a clear vision for the future, one built on innovation, youth, and dynamic playmaking.

As the Saints explore their options, they’d be wise to consider this bold move. In Ben Johnson and Hendon Hooker, New Orleans might find the perfect duo to lead their resurgence and deliver a new era of success.