New Orleans Saints tie down quarterback Taysom Hill
Even though the New Orleans Saints appear to be close to a deal for free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston, the club took no chances with their current backup and locked up Taysom Hill up to a contract through the 2021 campaign.
The 29-year-old still had one year and $4.641m left on his current deal, but his new two-year contract will take its place. He will earn $21m over two seasons with the Saints and will receive $16m guaranteed at the time of signing. Hill made it clear, there was nowhere else he wanted to be.
“I’ve felt a lot of love from the organization and the fan base. My wife and I always wanted to stay in New Orleans, so this worked out perfect,” the quarterback said on a conference call Sunday with reporters, according to ESPN.
While many have been quick to criticize the timing of the extension given the Saints are in talks with another quarterback, the deal makes a ton of sense for both the player and the franchise. This could very well be current starting quarterback Drew Brees’ final season in the NFL and the two-year contract provides Hill with flexibility regarding his future. If he can take over the reins and earn the starting spot when Brees calls it quits, he will be able to sign a longer more lucrative contract.
However, if the club don’t believe he is the quarterback of the future for them in two years’ time, he will be free to sign elsewhere and prove his worth to another team.
“This gives me a clear trajectory and opportunity for me to compete and to be the guy in New Orleans in [2021] if Drew decides to be done. And if he’s not, then we’ll figure out another contract or my role will continue to be the way it is,” Hill said. “This was a way to prevent me to get to free agency next year, and it created some structure for both me and my family, as well as the organization.”
Hill signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2017 after going undrafted in the NFL Draft that year but had been waved prior to the season starting. New Orleans claimed him off waivers the very next day after being cut by Green Bay. He’s since gone on to become quite the utility player for head coach Sean Payton and crew.
Hill has been used in a variety of different roles as Payton has been quick to take advantage of the veteran’s versatility. He has a total of three rushing touchdowns and eight receiving touchdowns during his time in New Orleans but doesn’t have a single passing touchdown to his name.
The Saints finished last season with an impressive 13-3 record on the way to their third consecutive NFC South title. They were a disappointment in the playoffs, being eliminated at home in the Wild Card Round to the Minnesota Vikings. New Orleans has reached the postseason every year that Hill has been with the squad.
