Swiss Army Knife Leaves Saints
After Nine Versatile Seasons, Taysom Hill Leaves New Orleans Saints; His Football Future Remains Undecided
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Key Points
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Hill sold his New Orleans-area home during the offseason, signaling a move away from the Saints even as he weighed his future.
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In New Orleans he is affectionately known as the 'Swiss Army knife' for his multi-position usage across quarterback, running back, tight end, receiver and special teams.
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Reuters noted Hill is one of only four players in NFL history to score at least 10 touchdowns across passing, rushing and receiving.
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If Hill does not play again, he would retire as one of only five players in NFL history to score at least 10 touchdowns in each of rushing, receiving and passing.
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Drew Brees narrates a Saints tribute video honoring Hill, which the team released as part of his departure acknowledgment.
Taysom Hill is leaving the New Orleans Saints after nine seasons. The versatile star said returning is "not in the cards," according to KADN, though he stopped short of announcing retirement. His NFL future remains open.
Hill made the announcement on the first day of Saints training camp. He is an unrestricted free agent and has not signed with a new team. Several reports suggest destinations like the Denver Broncos are possible, but nothing is confirmed.
Nine Seasons as the Saints' Swiss Army Knife
Hill spent all nine of his NFL seasons in New Orleans. Fans and coaches called him the "Swiss Army knife" for his rare ability to play multiple positions. He lined up as a quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, and special-teams contributor — often in the same game.
He leaves with 2,551 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns. He also tallied 1,034 receiving yards with 11 receiving touchdowns and 2,426 passing yards with 12 touchdowns. AJC noted he is the only player in the Super Bowl era to top 1,000 yards in all three categories — rushing, receiving, and passing.
Historic Scoring Record Few Players Have Matched
Hill's touchdown totals put him in rare company. WRAL reported he is one of only four players in NFL history to score at least 10 touchdowns each through passing, rushing, and receiving. If he never plays again, he will retire as one of just five players ever to reach that mark.
No other player in the modern NFL has done what Hill did across so many roles. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him nearly impossible to game-plan against. Teams simply had no blueprint for stopping him.
Saints Honor Hill With Drew Brees Tribute Video
The Saints did not let Hill leave quietly. The team released a tribute video narrated by former quarterback Drew Brees, honoring Hill's nine years of service. General Manager Mickey Loomis also issued a statement praising Hill's intelligence, athleticism, and leadership.
Hill thanked the city of New Orleans and its fans in his own statement. He sold his New Orleans-area home during the offseason, a move that signaled his departure was likely even before he made it official, according to BYU Cougars Wire.
What Comes Next for Hill's NFL Career
Hill has not retired. He has not signed anywhere. He is weighing his options as a free agent. Reports have floated teams like the Broncos as possible landing spots, but BYU Cougars Wire confirmed no new team has been announced.
Hill turns 35 in August. His unusual skill set could still appeal to teams looking for a creative offensive weapon. Whether any team builds a role around him the way New Orleans did remains to be seen.
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