The Miami Dolphins’ search for a franchise quarterback has spanned twenty years and taken the Dolphins to the backwoods of West Virginia, the sprawling mountains of Utah and everywhere in between. The list of former quarterbacks to walk behind center is long — and the list of successful ones is marginal at best.
But 2020 feels different — because these Dolphins are committed to finding a long-term answer to the position. They’ve been transparent about their intentions for about a year now, even if they’re not being transparent about which player is “their” guy. The amount of options the Dolphins have has caused some to ponder alternatives that involve Miami not spending their first 1st-round pick on a quarterback. And while it’s an enticing proposition, it only works as well as the potential solutions.
Which brings us to New Orleans Saints quarterback/fullback/tight end/punt gunner Taysom Hill. The Saints are placing a 1st-round restricted free agent tender on Hill this offseason, meaning any team that wishes to sign him may do so but only if the Saints pass on their right to match the deal. Any deal that takes Hill away from New Orleans would also cause the other party to surrender a 1st-round pick for Hill’s services.
Should Miami consider?
No. Is there a word in the dictionary stronger than no? Absolutely not. Hill is a fun football player who has done well for himself carving out a role based in versatility and a selfless approach. His staying power to this point deserves a lot of credit. But the Saints seem to think he’s something more — Sean Payton has compared him to Steve Young. Seriously.
Quick, pull up your favorite clip of Steve Young on the punt return team!
New Orleans’ usage of Hill speaks louder to what his value is as an NFL player than their tender does. And if New Orleans really had the next Steve Young on their hands, they wouldn’t have tabbed Teddy Bridgewater as the starter last season when Drew Brees went down with a thumb injury. Nor would they have continued to use Hill on the special teams units. A player that can step into so many roles is undoubtedly valuable — but it also calls into question his viability as a potential starting quarterback. Hill has thrown for 119 yards on 13 attempts over his NFL career but has rolled up 590 yards from scrimmage and 9 touchdowns as a rusher/receiver.
That’s not a resume you pay a 1st-round pick for under any circumstances, period. Case closed — the search continues.
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