Category: Taysom Hill

WATCH: Jon Gruden raves about Saints QB/TE/football player Taysom Hill

Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden is a big fan of his Monday Night Football opponent, New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Taysom Hill.

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Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden just loves football, man. When previewing his team’s Week 2 matchup, Gruden waxed poetic on New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Taysom Hill as the epitome of a position-less “football player” who puts as much enthusiasm into the game as Gruden feels himself.

“I don’t remember a quarterback who can throw and run read options, and then line up at tight end,” Gruden said, grinning. “This guy’s a weapon, he’s a special teams demon, he can be the personal protector on the punt team. He’s a great football player.”

Hill lined up at ten different spots in 2019 (up from nine positions in 2018) and caught the first pass thrown in the 2020 season for a 14-yard gain. And Gruden is right to point out Hill’s proficiency in the kicking game, even if his snaps count fell to just 12 plays after he averaged 23 special teams snaps per game in 2019 (not counting the games Drew Brees missed to injury, totaling 31 snaps in those five contests).

Beyond his own stats on returning kickoffs (with a career average of 24.0 yards per return, and a personal-best of 47 yards), Hill has blocked a pair of punts against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in 2018) and Atlanta Falcons (in 2019) while collecting 13 combined tackles in the kicking game. He’s a force, and the Saints clearly want to keep him in positions to thrive. And that’s keeping Gruden’s attention.

“You know a lot of guys call it, ‘He’s a football player?'” Gruden continued, pantomiming quotation marks. “This guy’s a ‘football player.’ He can play anywhere on the ‘football’ field. And you gotta be aware of No. 7, because he can ruin the game. And they have a great package to keep us off his scent. You know you just can’t prepare for him, [you have to prepare] for anything. He’s just a ‘football player.'”

We’ll see what sort of heroics Hill has in store for Gruden’s Raiders very soon. In Week 1, he ran three times to pick up 13 yards on the ground and connected with Alvin Kamara on a 38-yard completion, in addition to his opening-drive 14-yard reception. He’s already padding out his impressive highlight reel, and from the sound of it, Gruden is as eager to see the finished product as anyone else.

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LOOK: Taysom Hill announces the birth of his son

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill had a great explanation for missing two days of training camp practice: the birth of his son Beau

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The New Orleans Saints were without Taysom Hill for two days of practice in training camp, and now we know why: Hill’s family just added one more. Hill and his wife Emily announced the birth of their son Beau Nixon Hill on Saturday in a post from the quarterback’s official Instagram account.

It’s the latest and biggest move for Hill’s household, following the one-year contract extension he signed earlier this summer. Hill, who will be celebrating his 30th birthday on Sunday, spent his offseason preparing to compete with Jameis Winston for the right to back up Drew Brees, and maybe set himself up to start under center as soon as 2021.

But asking whether Hill will be up to the task is a question for another day. For now, he’s focused on being a great father, and we’re certainly wishing the best to him and his young family.

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Taysom Hill is Madden NFL 21’s third-fastest quarterback

New Orleans Saints backup Taysom Hill has earned the third-fastest speed grade for quarterbacks in Madden NFL 21, trailing Lamar Jackson.

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It shouldn’t surprise anyone which quarterback sits on top of the speed ratings in this year’s Madden NFL game from EA Sports: Baltimore Ravens breakout Lamar Jackson, the reigning league MVP who led the NFL with 6.9 yards per carry last year. Jackson racked up 1,206 rushing yards while frustrating defenders by his ability to keep outmaneuver them and keep plays alive in the backfield when under pressure.

However, what’s fascinating is who earned a spot not far behind him: New Orleans Saints backup Taysom Hill, who has made waves at tight end, receiver, and even on special teams. Hill has only moonlighted at quarterback so far, but the 29-year old doesn’t lack for athletic traits. That’s reflected in his speed grade (90), trailing only Jackson (96) and Arizona Cardinals passer Kyler Murray (91). Not bad at all.

Hill managed a very respectable 5.8 yards per attempt last year, though he only ran 27 times compared to Jackson’s 176 carries. How defenses would treat Hill as a full-time starter with the exponentially greater rushes is anyone’s guess, but fans can try it out when Madden NFL 21 releases later this summer.

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Jay Glazer says it again: Taysom Hill is ‘the guy’ for New Orleans after Drew Brees

FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer wrote in his mailbag with The Athletic that Saints coach Sean Payton sees Taysom Hill as his next QB.

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Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported for The Athletic that he fully expects Taysom Hill to take over at quarterback once Drew Brees has hung up his cleats. That’s what Glazer wrote in his latest mailbag, echoing the same take he made back in January, on Colin Cowherd’s radio show.

Glazer is tight with Saints coach Sean Payton. He’s broken stories before like Payton’s five-year contract extension with the team, and put the nail in the coffin for Antonio Brown signing with the Saints after his bizarre free agent workout and high-profile fallout. Whenever Payton is seen on a parade float at Mardi Gras, Glazer is usually right there with him as his guest.

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that Glazer has rare insight into Payton’s thinking. And when asked by a reader if the faith the Saints have shown in Hill so far is genuine, he was quick to confirm it.

“No smokescreen, he’s the guy. Sean Payton loves him but it’s not just him, the whole team loves him, not just Sean Payton. Watch a Saints game,” Glazer wrote. “When he’s in the game, watch the other players on the sideline, watch their reaction. They all get up and stand on the sidelines to watch him.”

Glazer continued, “I think Sean was always hoping to unleash him on the league without anyone seeing him before but now we’ve seen it with Lamar Jackson. He’s a bigger Lamar Jackson. No, it’s not a smokescreen. He likes him that much, he’ll be the guy. He’s with the perfect coach for that.”

Comparing Hill to the reigning league MVP is bold, especially considering how much more progress Hill has to show as a passer before he can run a full game script. And unlike Jackson, Hill doesn’t have time on his side — he’s seven years older than the Baltimore Ravens superstar, and will be forced to rely more on his arm than his legs as he continues to age.

But stranger things have happened than a 30-year-old quarterback taking over for a year. And that’s what the Saints have prepared for by inking Hill to a contract extension, penciling him in as the heir-apparent for 2021. He’ll probably have to compete against Jameis Winston for that job (should he re-sign with the Saints after riding the bench this season), but Hill’s heightened salary reflect what the Saints and those close to the organization have said about him. Whatever the case, it’ll make for must-see TV whether he flames out or rises to the occasion.

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Watch: Saints produce must-see Taysom Hill hype video

The New Orleans Saints celebrated their contract extension with Taysom Hill by producing a hype video featuring Dwight from “The Office.”

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What better way to celebrate Taysom Hill’s contract extension with the New Orleans Saints than an incredibly well-produced highlight reel? The Saints released just that after news broke on his new deal with the team, sharing the video from their official Twitter account.

Beyond the many explosive plays Hill created last season, it also features a cameo from “The Office” cult favorite Dwight and a series of viral video stars. It’s a lot of fun, which is also how you’d headline Hill’s scouting report. Check the video out where we’ve embedded it below, or by following this link:

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Taysom Hill’s new contract frees up the franchise tag for Alvin Kamara

Taysom Hill will not be a candidate for the franchise tag in 2021, but Saints RB Alvin Kamara might face that hurdle before free agency.

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The New Orleans Saints’ decision to sign Taysom Hill to a two-year contract extension impacts more than the backup quarterback himself. While it does guarantee Hill will be around in 2021 (likely as the starting quarterback), his new deal sends a ripple effect throughout the roster. One teammate who could feel an immediate reaction: running back Alvin Kamara.

Kamara headlines a star-studded list of Saints free agents in the 2021 offseason, including veterans like Demario Davis, Jared Cook, Larry Warford, and Sheldon Rankins. Kamara can be counted among a group of young talents ready to cash in on their first big NFL contracts, along with Marcus Williams. Contract extensions with depth players and projected starters such as Kiko Alonso, Alex Anzalone, Craig Robertson, and Justin Hardee are also going to be on the docket.

Kamara stands apart from the rest as a prime candidate for receiving the franchise tag. While the number will go up as the salary cap rises and new contracts are signed with star players around the league, the 2020 franchise tag for running backs was valued at a fully-guaranteed $10,278,000. The less-valuable transition tag was worth just $8,483,000, but teams rarely use it because they receive no compensation should the player leave on a new deal with another squad.

Would New Orleans have considered using the franchise tag on Hill? Maybe. That might have led to arbitration hearings in which Hill’s camp could argue about which position he should be considered for the tag’s purposes, whether at quarterback, tight end, or even receiver. He wears more hats than anyone else in the NFL, so that might have gotten dicey. And deciding between Hill or Kamara could have been one really difficult conversation. Now, though, the Saints won’t have to worry about it.

If the Saints have a difficult time hammering out a new deal with Kamara this offseason (or if they simply choose not to try), tagging him in 2021 would be something they consider. The Saints have used the franchise tag before in retaining playmakers like Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham, eventually working out long-term extensions with both of them. It’s possible they try that approach again with Kamara, if need be.

It won’t come to that, hopefully. But the rising cost of running back salaries and the uncertain longevity of the position (as well as the Saints’ hesitance to pay skills-position talent) means it might be the only way Kamara plays for the Saints after the 2020 season. New Orleans made a strong effort to re-sign pillars of the team like Cameron Jordan, Michael Thomas, and Wil Lutz last summer. Maybe they’ll make Kamara a similar priority this year.

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Taysom Hill’s new deal tees him up to start at QB in 2021

Now that Taysom Hill has signed a contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, he is the clear heir-apparent behind Drew Brees.

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The NFL landscape was just beginning to settle in the wake of the 2020 NFL Draft when the New Orleans Saints signed backup quarterback Taysom Hill to a two-year, $21 million contract extension. That move doesn’t just grant Hill financial stability — it puts him in the driver’s seat to start at quarterback once Drew Brees has moved on.

That might happen as soon as 2021. While Brees also signed a two-year deal, it’s structured so that the Saints will be accountable for a little over $22 million against the salary cap should he retire after the 2020 season. If he plays, that number climbs up to north of $30 million. Brees has already signed on with NBC Sports in a broadcasting role, so it appears increasingly likely that 2020 will be his last ride.

Which means Hill would be the favorite to start at quarterback, with a salary at around $16 million. That’s comparable to what Andy Dalton and Jacoby Brissett have earned in recent years. It’s tough to complain about that kind of payout for a quarterback who, at worst, might be a one-year band-aid until the Saints can find their next passer. At best, it might end up looking like a bargain if Hill thrives as the full-time starter.

Still, don’t be surprised if the Saints take a proactive approach in adding more quarterbacks next offseason. Hill and rookie seventh-round pick Tommy Stevens are the only passers under contract (assuming Brees retires) past the 2020 season, with Jameis Winston expected to sign just a one-year deal. Things are shaking up in New Orleans and fans should be preparing for it.

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Taysom Hill thanks Saints, announces new contract extension

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill thanked the team for the opportunity they’ve given him with his new two-year contract extension.

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The New Orleans Saints reached an agreement with backup quarterback Taysom Hill on a two-year contract extension, and he was excited to sign the offer they put on the table.

Hill announced the new deal from his official Instagram account, thanking the team for the opportunity and the chance they took on him. Hill first joined the Saints as an older prospect out of college who had already washed out of one NFL team. Now he’s the projected starter once Drew Brees hangs up his cleats, possibly as soon as in 2021.

You can see Hill’s message where we’ve embedded it below:

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Details on Taysom Hill’s contract extension with the Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Taysom Hill to a contract extension averaging more than $10 million per year, making him a highly-paid backup.

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Here’s a bombshell: the New Orleans Saints signed backup quarterback, special teams ace, and do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill to a contract extension through the 2021 season on Sunday. Per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Hill is cashing in with a two-year deal valued at $21 million, with $16 million in guarantees and another $1 million in incentives.

That’s an average of $10.5 million per year, with 76% of the new money guaranteed. It’s a significant payout for a backup passer — making Hill by far the NFL’s highest-paid No. 2 — but as we’ve seen before, he’s much more than a clipboard-holder on the sidelines. Hill influences the game in a number of unique ways for the Saints, so they’re really paying him for a wide range of responsibilities beyond wearing a headset.

The Saints are also paying Hill a salary that suggests he’ll be more than a backup. He’ll get a real shot at competing for the starting quarterback job in 2021 if Brees retires.

We don’t know how much of those guarantees are tied to a signing bonus, so it’s tough to forecast Hill’s annual salary cap hits. And it makes learning how this contract is structured even more fascinating. The Saints often use automatically voided years to spread out salary cap resources, and that could come into play again with Hill (especially considering that the Saints have just over $4 million in 2020 cap space to work with right now).

However it shakes out, Hill won’t test the free agent market until March 2022 at the soonest.

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Saints sign Taysom Hill to a contract extension through 2021

The New Orleans Saints signed backup quarterback Taysom Hill to a two-year contract extension, keeping him in town the through 2021 season.

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While the New Orleans Saints are still in negotiations with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (and a deal may not be filed until after an upcoming NFL deadline), the team took action on Sunday to address another quarterback’s contract: Taysom Hill.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Saints signed Hill to a two-year contract extension that effectively adds another season onto the restricted free agent tender Hill was issued earlier this offseason. That one-year contract was valued at around $4.6 million, and while the new terms of his agreement are unclear just yet, it means that Hill will be a member of the Saints at least through the 2021 season.

That’s big for a couple of reasons, and it’s due to the various contract situations in flux in New Orleans. Drew Brees is taking things year-to-year with the Saints and has the option to retire after the upcoming season. Winston is reportedly focusing on a one-year deal with the Saints. Tommy Stevens, the seventh-round draft pick often compared to Hill, will sign a typical four-year rookie contract.

By extending Hill now, the Saints guarantee that they’ll have more than one quarterback signed on to play once the 2020 season wraps up.

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