This is an interesting offseason for the New Orleans Saints as they wait on quarterback Drew Brees’ decision on whether he’s going to return, sign somewhere else, or retire. The Saints have already started game-planning for when Brees does decide to retire. Reports have stated that the Saints want to start utility player Taysom Hill at quarterback in the future.
Hill has become one of the most unique, exciting players in the NFL with his ability to be plugged into any position and be successful at it. During his time in the NFL, he has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, punt return coverage, and kick return coverage. He’s done it all from blocking punts to catching touchdowns. Saints head coach Sean Payton has used him everywhere. Just look at his long stat line for his career:
Passing: 6-of-13, 119 yards, one interception
Rushing: 64 carries, 352 yards, three touchdowns
Receiving: 22 catches, 238 yards, six touchdowns
Defense: 10 tackles
Special Teams: 15 kickoff returns, 360 yards, one punt block
His importance to the team has become more important than it ever has. He’s one of the best athletes in the game that knows the Saints playbook front and back. His playmaking ability gives Payton the freedom to create plays that can utilize his skills. The only thing we haven’t seen much of is his ability throwing the football, thanks in part to being the third-string quarterback.
Teddy Bridgewater has been Brees’ backup the last two seasons. He stepped in for five starts while Brees was recovering from his injury, going 5-0. Bridgewater is expected to be one of the top free-agent quarterbacks in the market. All indications are pointing towards Bridgewater moving on from the team to start somewhere in the league.
Reports coming out of the Saints facility say that the team wants to groom Hill to be the future quarterback on the team.
Hill’s athleticism is hard to deny. He’s got a strong arm who is one of the bigger quarterbacks in the NFL. Sitting behind Brees has been a benefit for Hill to learn how to be a starting quarterback. The only concern for the team? He’s 29 years old. He’s a little bit older, but since he hasn’t taken as many hits since joining the league in 2017, he should be fresher and his body should be healthier. It’s time for NFL fans and Saint fans to warm up to the idea that the future is near and Hill is the guy. Will it be this season? Probably not. Will it be in two to three seasons? It might be. Either way, it’s going to be fun and exciting when he takes over full time.
