Everyone in the world thought that Sean Payton would trade for Taysom Hill after landing with the Denver Broncos. It’s easy to see why, as the former Saints head coach seems to have an unjustified fascination with what the former undrafted free agent can bring to the table. Since entering the NFL, New Orleans has used the BYU product as a quarterback, tight end, and special teams ace while also giving him a four-year, $40 million contract.
Payton gave Taysom Hill that massive deal while he was still with New Orleans, but the Saints have yet to trade him. However, his tenure with the club could be coming to an end. During a recent appearance at the NFL owner’s meeting, head coach Dennis Allen didn’t exactly stand by his player when asked about a potential trade.
“No, that conversation (regarding a Taysom Hill trade) has not been broached. Look, I feel like Sean has tried to get everyone to go to Denver with him, so we’ll see.”
Dennis Allen: “We’ll See” If Taysom Hill Trade Happens
It’s worth noting that Allen chuckled before giving that response, and his mention of Payton trading for every Saint is clear hyperbole, so it’s important to take the statement with a bit of salt. However, every joke contains a little bit of truth, and a Taysom Hill trade would make plenty of sense for New Orleans.
As of this posting, the Swiss Army knife carries a $15.79 million cap hit. This is a lot of money for any team, but it’s especially worrisome for New Orleans. The Saints are always drowning in salary cap debt, and they can clear $10 million in much-needed cap space if they release Taysom Hill after June 1st.
While the Broncos are definitely the most likely target, they won’t be the only team interested in a potential Taysom Hill trade. Even if it’s for nothing more than a late-round pick swap, several teams should be at least passively interested in the versatile offensive weapon.
Other Possible Trade Destinations
Denver Broncos
While Sean Payton is the clear selling point, the Broncos roster could genuinely benefit from a Taysom Hill trade. After releasing Russell Wilson, the team needs a quarterback and doesn’t have the resources to grab an elite prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Payton believes in Hill’s abilities, so the veteran could be a short-term bridge option if paired with a second-round quarterback like Bo Nix.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in football, but the reigning MVP could use a better backup. Taysom Hill has the athleticism to operate in this scheme for short bursts of time, and a trade could also give the Ravens some insurance at tight end. Baltimore uses tight ends more than any other team and could use a backup plan if something happens to Mark Andrews or Isaiah Likely.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy is a franchise quarterback, but Josh Dobbs is not the ideal backup. The Passtronaut had his moments last year but ultimately lost a starting job to Nick Mullens and Jarren Hall. The 49ers know better than anyone just how important a backup quarterback can be, and a creative mind like Kyle Shanahan should be able to get the most out of a Taysom Hill trade. Whether it’s at quarterback or tight end, Hill should be able to do some damage in sub packages.
Philadelphia Eagles
If Kenny Pickett is your answer, then you’re asking the wrong question. Pickett is not nearly athletic enough to fill in for Jalen Hurts, and he doesn’t have the processing ability or arm strength to succeed in the pocket. Taysom Hill could at least mimic Hurts’ athleticism, and that alone could justify a trade.
Los Angeles Chargers
Greg Roman loves the tight end position, and the abysmal state of the current depth chart could justify a Taysom Hill trade. The Chargers have the worst collection of skill position players in the league, and Hill could see some meaningful targets in this offense. While he’ll never replace Justin Herbert, he could see some action if the Chargers franchise quarterback suffers another injury. Easton Stick performed as well as could be expected last year, but Hill’s athleticism can put a strain on opposing defenses.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA Today Sports
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