Saints Veteran Taysom Hill Likely to Leave New Orleans

Insider believes Hill could reunite with former coaches in Denver or Buffalo

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:26pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with their jersey and helmet partially obscured by overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The potential departure of versatile Saints veteran Taysom Hill could signal a shift in the team's offensive strategy as they look to the future.New Orleans Today

For the first time since 2016, the New Orleans Saints could begin the 2026 NFL season without versatile tight end Taysom Hill on their roster. NFL insider Nick Underhill believes Hill's time in New Orleans has 'run its course' and that the 35-year-old veteran could end up signing with either the Denver Broncos or Buffalo Bills next season.

Why it matters

Hill has been a key part of the Saints' offense for the past several years, but injuries and declining production have made him expendable as the team transitions to a younger roster. His potential departure would open up opportunities for other players and could signal a shift in the team's offensive strategy.

The details

Underhill noted that Hill, who is still angling to return to the Saints, had a 'career-low 114 rushing yards to go with 921 receiving yards and just one total touchdown' in 2025. The Saints' highest-paid player that season, Hill's large salary could make it difficult for the team to retain him as they look to get younger and free up cap space.

  • Hill has appeared in only 21 games over the last two seasons.

The players

Taysom Hill

A versatile tight end who has played for the New Orleans Saints since 2016.

Nick Underhill

A reporter who covers the New Orleans Saints.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who previously coached Hill with the Saints.

Pete Carmichael Jr.

The offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, who previously served as the Saints' offensive coordinator when Hill was on the team.

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What they’re saying

“No disrespect at all to Taysom, I just think it's time. It's probably run its course. [The Saints are] a young team heading in a different direction. I don't think he had a great year last year. I think that there could be a very specific role for him... I would be really surprised if he comes back. I could see him going to Denver. Pete Carmichael is in Buffalo now — I could see him going to Buffalo.”

— Nick Underhill, Saints reporter

What’s next

The Saints will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Hill or let him test free agency. If he does leave New Orleans, his potential landing spots could be with the Broncos or Bills, where he would be reunited with former Saints coaches.

The takeaway

Taysom Hill's time with the Saints appears to be coming to an end, as the team looks to get younger and move in a different direction. While Hill has been a valuable contributor, his injury history and declining production have made him expendable. His potential departure could open up opportunities for other players and signal a shift in the Saints' offensive strategy.