In seven seasons, New Orleans Saints Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill has been listed as a quarterback, wide receiver and tight end.
In new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme, Hill is adding more backfield work to his repertoire, taking handoffs and lining up in a fullback role during OTAs.
"It’s been a lot of fun,” Hill said, via the New Orleans Advocate. “It’s weird to say after seven years of doing what I’ve been doing that I’m being asked to do things I’ve never done before. That is exciting to me and it’s challenging, and I love to be challenged like that. I’m grateful for those guys creating unique and fun opportunities for me.”
According to reporters at offseason workouts, Hill has been used as a shotgun running back and a lead blocker as a fullback, along with his tight end duties.
“The more we can do, the better and harder it is,” Hill said.
The Saints haven’t ruled out using Hill as a passing threat under Kubiak, but at this point, it seems clear that his main usage will be as a runner and a pass-catching weapon.
In 2023, Hill saw 425 snaps on offense, according to Pro Football Focus: 115 at QB (where he would often keep the ball as a runner), 80 inline at tight end, 130 in the slot, 71 wide, and 29 in the backfield. Of his backfield reps, only one was at fullback.
Over the years, Hill has proven to be a chess piece who can make plays wherever he lines up. It was clear at times last season that the Saints offense was more effective when the playmaker was involved, but his lack of one singular position made it easy to lose him in the offense.
Hill’s usage is just one interesting aspect of change Kubiak is expected to make as he shifts a Saints offense that hasn’t had this much revision since Sean Payton took over in 2006.