The Denver Broncos may soon have the chance to bring Taysom Hill aboard. Since Sean Payton became head coach, he’s been actively assembling a team of familiar faces from his time with the New Orleans Saints. This trend continued recently with the Broncos hiring former Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi as their special teams coordinator.
Payton has also brought along other staff members, such as Joe Lombardi (offensive coordinator), John Morton (former pass game coordinator), Mike Westhoff (former assistant head coach), Zach Strief (offensive line coach), Chris Banjo (former special teams), and Pete Carmichael (senior offensive assistant).
On the player front, several former Saints players have already joined the Broncos, including wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, fullback Michael Burton, and tight end Adam Trautman. As the 2025 league year approaches, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Broncos could have the opportunity to add another Payton favorite.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, it seems unlikely that tight end Taysom Hill will return to the Saints, with rumors suggesting New Orleans might release him this offseason.
Hill is a versatile player who has played multiple positions, a role Payton creatively built for him. Initially signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent from BYU, Hill started as a Wildcat quarterback behind Drew Brees. Payton utilized Hill in this capacity with great success, even starting several games at quarterback when Brees was injured, including a notable game in 2020 against the Broncos when Denver was hit with a COVID outbreak.
As Hill’s career progressed, he evolved into a multi-faceted offensive weapon, playing quarterback, tight end, receiver, and running back. His unique skill set continued to be used even after Payton left New Orleans.
Last season, Hill played in just eight games but made an impact, rushing 39 times for 278 yards and six touchdowns, and catching 23 passes for 187 yards. For comparison, the Broncos’ running backs managed only four rushing touchdowns last year.
At 34, Hill’s window is narrowing. The Broncos have a need at tight end, and while Hill might not be the perfect solution, he would bring creativity and playmaking ability to an offense he is already familiar with.
With a base salary of $10 million for 2025, it’s unlikely the Saints will retain Hill at that price. If released, Hill may struggle to find a similar deal elsewhere, especially after suffering a torn ACL in December. Recovery from such an injury is tough at any age, and Hill’s 34-year-old body may not bounce back as quickly as it once did.
However, if Hill is willing to reunite with the coach who helped shape his NFL career, the Broncos could offer him a reasonable, team-friendly deal. Despite his age, Hill’s experience, including a two-year LDS mission, means his football mileage is closer to that of a 32-year-old. His production last year, even in a limited role, proves he still has value. If the Saints do part ways with Hill, don’t be surprised if the Broncos show interest in bringing him back into the fold.
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