Taysom Hill, the New Orleans Saints' ultimate multi-tool, has decided to move on from the team that made him a household name. What’s next for the man dubbed the 'Swiss Army knife' of football remains in motion.
Versatility made him a Saint, now a free agent
Hill's departure comes after a career that redefined versatility in the modern NFL. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who played side by side with Hill for years, reflected on the player’s adaptability. 'A Swiss Army knife isn’t built for just one job,' Brees said in a Saints-released video of Hill’s career. 'It adapts. It endures. That is Taysom Hill.'
Hill wasn’t just a player; he became a symbol of resilience and heart in the Saints organization. 'When we needed more, he gave us everything,' Brees added. 'Because that is what it means to be a Saint in New Orleans.' Fans responded with an outpouring of gratitude, many hailing Hill not just as a player but as a figure who embodied the spirit of the city.
Hill’s on-field legacy is undeniable
From a highlight-reel block against the Falcons in 2019 to clutch performances in the playoffs, Hill’s imprint on the field is hard to ignore. The video of him racking up two rushing touchdowns and blocking a punt in Week 13 of the 2019 season has gone viral again. Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun called it his favorite moment of Hill’s career: 'Falcons killer,' he wrote, tagging the clip on X.
Beyond that, Hill’s reputation as the player you could trust for anything—whether you needed a catch, a run, a throw, or even a bit of off-field banter—remained intact. 'Need a catch, need a run, need a throw, need ya oil changed or the AC vent switched—it didn’t matter. You were the man for the job,' one fan wrote, echoing the affection Hill inspired.
Broncos could become next chapter in Hill’s story
Though Hill's departure from New Orleans feels final, his NFL journey may not be over. Jonathan Jones of The Athletic noted that Hill ‘says goodbye to New Orleans, but not necessarily the NFL.’ The Denver Broncos appear to be the most likely destination, with their head coach, Sean Payton, a pivotal figure in Hill's rise to prominence.
The Broncos' offense ranked 16th in rushing yards last season. Adding Hill's dynamic capabilities could shift the balance. With new acquisition Jaylen Waddle joining the team this offseason and a 78.4 PFF grade from last year, the Broncos are building an offense ready to push for a fourth Super Bowl.
Hill confirmed his departure from the team in a statement that the Saints shared on their social media. The 35-year-old, who's played his entire nine-season career with the Saints, acknowledged that 'I still don't have a clear answer about what the future holds, but I know that returning to New Orleans is not in the cards.' It was a sentimental statement from a player who clearly built a bond with the team and the city for which he played. It was also unorthodox in a league where players change teams and reach the end of their careers all the time with little to no fanfare.
The Saints then upped the ante. Minutes after sharing Hill's statement, they released a tribute video to Hill of 'NFL Films' quality narrated by none other than Saints legend Drew Brees. 'Forever a Saint. Forever a legend,' Brees said before signing off: 'Thank you Taysom.'
During his time with the Saints, Hill rushed for 2,551 yards and 34 touchdowns, while he also caught 110 passes for 1,034 yards and 11 more scores. The onetime quarterback who went undrafted out of BYU also completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,426 yards and 12 touchdowns in New Orleans.
Hill shared his appreciation for being embraced by the New Orleans community, and for the lasting relationships he cultivated within the Saints organization. 'To the city of New Orleans: thank you. I had always heard, 'If you love New Orleans, New Orleans will love you back.' That could not have been more true,' he wrote. 'You exceeded every expectation I had of what it would be like to live and play in a city. The passion, loyalty, and support you showed my family and me over these nine seasons were truly one of a kind. We will always be grateful for the way you embraced us both on and off the field!'