ESPN: Broncos to Trade for $40 Million ‘Swiss Army Knife’
For Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, a familiar player from his past could be the key to elevating the team’s offense in 2025.
According to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, the New Orleans Saints might be compelled to move on from versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill this offseason, potentially seeking a trade partner. This scenario could open the door for the 8-year veteran to reunite with Payton and finish his career under his former coach.
“I’m unsure what the future holds for Taysom Hill, the 35-year-old all-purpose player who carries an $18 million cap hit in 2025—the fourth-highest among tight ends,” Solak noted. “I expect the Saints to pursue a trade, likely with the Broncos, as there might not be much interest elsewhere, while reworking his contract to free up cap space.”
Though officially listed as a tight end for cap purposes, Hill has carved out a unique career as a hybrid quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and special teams contributor. His multifaceted potential was maximized during his five seasons with Payton in New Orleans.
While a trade to Denver remains a possibility, Hill is more likely to become a free agent if the Saints release him as a post-June 1 cut. This move could save New Orleans $10 million in cap space for 2025, providing the Broncos an opportunity to sign Hill on a short-term, incentive-laden contract. A potential deal could look like a 1-year, $1.5 million agreement with performance-based bonuses that significantly increase its value.
“The Saints face a projected cap deficit of nearly $80 million for 2025, forcing them to make tough decisions on veteran contracts with substantial cap hits,” wrote Sean Labar of The Sporting News on January 7.
How Hill Became NFL’s Signature ‘Swiss Army Knife’
Taysom Hill’s rise as the NFL’s quintessential “Swiss Army Knife” is largely a testament to Sean Payton’s creative genius as a coach.
At BYU, Hill was a dynamic but injury-prone quarterback, suffering four season-ending injuries over five seasons. After going undrafted in 2017, largely due to his extensive injury history and the fact that he was already 27 years old after serving a Mormon mission, Hill joined the New Orleans Saints. In his rookie year, he made an impact on special teams before Payton began incorporating him into the offense in 2018, unlocking his full potential.
Over the past two decades, few players have matched Hill’s versatility on the field. In 105 career games, he has amassed 3,809 all-purpose yards and 55 total touchdowns, including 33 rushing, 11 receiving, and 11 passing scores.
Hill’s unique skill set earned him significant contracts, starting with a 2-year, $16.3 million extension in 2020, followed by a 4-year, $40 million extension in November 2021.
Seeing What Hill Still Has Left in Tank
At 35 years old, Taysom Hill’s age is a concern, compounded by a season-ending ACL injury suffered in Week 13 of the 2024 regular season. However, there are reasons for optimism regarding his potential impact moving forward.
Despite his age, Hill’s career workload has been relatively light. Until 2024, his usage rate was modest, averaging just 31.6% of his team’s offensive snaps over eight seasons. Even during his most active year in 2022, he participated in only 56% of the Saints’ offensive plays.
In 2024, Hill showcased his offensive efficiency before the injury, contributing 465 total yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. This limited wear-and-tear on his body throughout his career could help mitigate some of the concerns surrounding his injury and age.