The New Orleans Saints are at a crossroads as a franchise. Their current roster doesn't reflect the kind of balance a team needs to either rebuild or contend seriously for a playoff spot. On one hand, they lack a dynamic young core of players who could energize the fanbase and provide long-term promise. On the other, their veteran players don't form a roster strong enough to take them deep into the postseason. This leaves the Saints in an unenviable gray zone - too experienced to tear it all down but not competitive enough to make a real push for success.
In such a scenario, the Saints might benefit from reassessing their veteran talent. Moving older, high-priced players who no longer align with the team’s current direction could help them free up salary cap space and acquire draft capital for a brighter future. One intriguing name that has surfaced in trade discussions is Taysom Hill, the versatile tight end and occasional quarterback. Hill's athleticism and unique skill set have made him a valuable chess piece for the Saints in recent years, but at the age of 35 and with a $10 million base salary, his time in New Orleans might be nearing its end.
Pro Football Network recently highlighted Hill as a potential trade candidate this offseason. The outlet pointed out that the Saints are limited in their ability to trade contracts due to their aggressive use of void years in structuring deals. This practice, while beneficial in the short term, leaves the team with fewer tradeable assets that make financial sense under the salary cap.
Hill, however, stands out as one of the rare exceptions. Entering the final year of his contract in 2025, the Saints could explore trading him after June 1. This timing would allow them to spread out the cap hit over multiple years, making the move more palatable financially. Any trade involving Hill would likely require a renegotiation of his current deal to make it more team-friendly for his new destination.
Sean Payton, the former Saints head coach and current Denver Broncos head coach, could emerge as a natural suitor for Hill. Payton has been one of Hill's biggest advocates throughout his career, often referring to him as a "Swiss Army knife" due to his versatility. Under Payton, Hill played a variety of roles, including quarterback, tight end, and even special teams contributor. If anyone could find a way to maximize Hill's unique talents, it would be Payton.
While the Broncos seem like an obvious fit, other teams across the league could also express interest in Hill. His ability to contribute in multiple roles makes him a rare commodity, though his age and contract might limit the number of potential suitors. Still, for a team in need of a spark or creative playmaking ability, Hill could be a valuable addition.
For the Saints, trading Hill would mark the end of an era. He has been a fan favorite and a symbol of the team's creativity and resourcefulness under Payton’s tenure. However, the move could signal a necessary step toward a more sustainable future. By clearing cap space and acquiring assets, the Saints could begin to chart a clearer path forward—one focused on building a cohesive roster capable of competing at a high level in the years to come.
Ultimately, the Saints' decisions this offseason will reveal much about their long-term vision. Whether they choose to lean into a rebuild or attempt to remain competitive in the short term, the potential trade of Taysom Hill will be a key storyline to watch. As the NFL continues to evolve, the Saints must find a way to adapt—and moving on from one of their most unique players might be the first step in that process.
