Saints Veteran Taysom Hill Likely Headed to New Team in 2026

Insider suggests Hill could reunite with former Saints coaches in Denver or Buffalo

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, gold, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of veteran Saints player Taysom Hill's uncertain future with the team.New Orleans Today

For the first time since 2016, the New Orleans Saints could begin the 2026 NFL season without hybrid tight end Taysom Hill on their roster. While Hill is still hoping to return for another year, a team reporter believes his relationship with the Saints 'has run its course' and envisions him potentially joining the Denver Broncos or Buffalo Bills in 2026.

Why it matters

Hill has been a versatile and fan-favorite player for the Saints, but injuries have limited his production in recent seasons. As the Saints transition to a younger roster, the team may be ready to move on from the 35-year-old Hill, potentially allowing him to reunite with former Saints coaches in Denver or Buffalo.

The details

Hill, 35, is still hoping to return for another year with the Saints, but team reporter Nick Underhill believes it's time for Hill to move on. Underhill suggests Hill could be a good fit with either the Denver Broncos, where he could team up again with former Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., or the Buffalo Bills, where he could work with former Saints offensive coordinator Sean Payton.

  • Hill ended the 2025 season with a career-low 114 rushing yards and just one total touchdown.
  • Hill was among the Saints' highest-paid players in 2025, earning an average salary of $10 million.

The players

Taysom Hill

A versatile 35-year-old tight end who has played for the New Orleans Saints since 2016.

Nick Underhill

A team reporter who covers the New Orleans Saints.

Pete Carmichael Jr.

The current offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, who previously held the same role with the New Orleans Saints.

Sean Payton

The current head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who previously held the same role with the New Orleans Saints.

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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 bring back Taysom Hill for the 2026 season or allow him to sign with another team as a free agent.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges of retaining aging veterans on a team in transition, even when they have been fan favorites. The Saints may need to make tough decisions to move forward with a younger roster, potentially allowing Hill to continue his career elsewhere.