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Taysom Hill injury update: New Orleans Saints' versatile player faces uncertain ACL recovery timeline as new coaching staff reshapes 2025 offense
Taysom Hill injury update: New Orleans Saints' versatile player faces uncertain ACL recovery timeline as new coaching staff reshapes 2025 offense

Time of India

time27-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Taysom Hill injury update: New Orleans Saints' versatile player faces uncertain ACL recovery timeline as new coaching staff reshapes 2025 offense

Taysom Hill (via Getty Images) In a league in which availability is a player's greatest strength, Taysom Hill's absence casts a shadow over the New Orleans Saints. The do-it-all offensive menace tore an ACL in Week 13 of the 2024 season, leaving his status for the 2025 season uncertain — and leaving the Saints to answer difficult questions regarding role, preparedness, and roster building. Taysom Hill's recovery schedule taints New Orleans Saints' future under new regime Taysom Hill, now in his age-35 season, was having one of the best years of his career when injury occurred. A central element of the New Orleans Saints' offense, his hybrid role — part tight end, part quarterback, part agitator — rendered him a mismatch nightmare for defenses. Not only is his loss a depth loss, but also a loss of schematic imagination. With ACL rehabilitation typically taking 9–12 months, the timing isn't great for a player whose game is founded on contact and explosiveness. Adding to the concern: Hill's advancing age and physical style of play create genuine questions about how well he can revitalize himself. Taysom Hill's 2023 performance, a career high in touches, indicated just how integral he'd become to the New Orleans Saints' playcalling under the prior regime. Moore and Nussmeier now have the challenge of constructing an offense without that luxury—and designing contingency plans in case Taysom Hill isn't the same player following rehab. More than a stat sheet Even as recovery holds him back on the field, Hill's impact is more than statistical. He's a locker room leader, a crowd favorite, and a tone-setter — a player who has redefined his NFL position several times and emerged stronger for it. His presence, if not necessarily his play, will remain significant. But the Saints can't rely on intangibles. In a wide-open division, the franchise requires answers, and Hill's uncertainty contributes to a lengthy list of offseason questions. A reminder of the NFL's unforgiving nature Taysom Hill's comeback is more than an individual comeback tale. It's a microcosm of the NFL's fragility — where one play can redefine a player's career and the direction of a team. The Saints now have to deal with the harsh reality of going on without one of their most unconventional weapons, hoping that when Hill does come back, he can still defy convention and expectation. Also read: 'How Much Time Do You Have?' Jalen Milroe's honest yet witty reply on where he needs to improve Until then, the Saints' 2025 future exists in a precarious balance — one framed by rehab schedules, coaching changeovers, and a franchise icon attempting to pen one more improbable page. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.

Top 20 passing yards leaders in New Orleans Saints franchise history
Top 20 passing yards leaders in New Orleans Saints franchise history

Yahoo

time20-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Top 20 passing yards leaders in New Orleans Saints franchise history

When we think of the most prolific passers in the history of the New Orleans Saints franchise, there's one name that stands above all, who's sitting comfortably at the top. While another created a family legacy, fathering two Super Bowl-winning sons while under center in the black and gold. But who are the other passing yards leaders in Saints franchise history? Surprisingly, a couple of players that co-existed on this team as "bridge" quarterbacks the past few seasons made the list in Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. While their replacement Derek Carr cemented himself into the top-10 during his tenure with the team. Oh and Taysom Hill of course, continuing to rise up the rankings. Longtime signal callers Aaron Brooks and Bobby Hebert also gained some respect as viable starters at the position, but outside of some of the players we've referenced there hasn't been much stability in this organization at quarterback. This year they will have another opportunity to potentially find that after what's been a revolving door since the retirement of Drew Brees. Advertisement For the sake of intrigue for Saints fans though, we've updated the list of the franchise's top-20 passing yardage leaders going into the 2025 season: 20. Billy Joe Hobert (1997-1999): 2,031 yards 28 Nov 1999: Billy Joe Hobert #12 of the New Orleans Saints scrambles with the ball during a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Trans World Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams defeated the Saints 43-12. Mandatory Credit: Elsa Hasch /Allsport 19. John Fourcade (1987-1990): 2,312 yards Oct 7, 1990; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback John Fourcade (11) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports 18. Jameis Winston (2020-2023): 2,367 yards Oct 10, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws a touchdown pass to Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (not pictured) against the Washington Football Team during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Tied-16. Taysom Hill (2017-2024): 2,369 yards Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports Tied-16. Richard Todd (1984-1985): 2,369 yards Dec 2, 1984; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Richard Todd (11) and Chris Ward (72) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK 15. Wade Wilson (1993-1994): 2,629 yards Sep 12, 1993; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Wade Wilson (18) throws the ball against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tim Green (99) at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY NETWORK 14. Edd Hargett (1969-1972): 2,727 yards Oct 11, 1970; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Edd Hargett (14) at the line of scrimmage against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports 13. Bobby Scott (1973-1981: 2,781 yards NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 29: New Orleans Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert is sacked by Miami Dolphin's Bryan Cox 29 November 1992 in the Superdome, New Orleans. (Photo credit should read THOM SCOTT/AFP via Getty Images) 12. Andy Dalton (2022): 2,871 yards NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 18: Andy Dalton #14 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass during the second half in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Caesars Superdome on December 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by) 11. Billy Joe Tolliver (1998-1999): 3,343 yards Oct 24, 1999; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver (11) in action against New York Giants defensive back Phillippi Sparks (22) at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK 10. Ken Stabler (1982-1984): 3,670 yards CANTON, OH - 1983: Quarterback Ken Stabler #16 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass during the NFL Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio in 1983. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/ Getty Images) 9. Steve Walsh (1990-1993): 3,879 yards 3 NOV 1991: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS QUARTERBACK STEVE WALSH DROPS BACK TO PASS DURING THE SAINTS 24-17 WIN OVER THE LOS ANGELES RAMS AT ANAHEIM STADIUM IN ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA. 8. Derek Carr (2023-2024): 6,023 yards ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) 7. Dave Wilson (1981-1988): 6,987 yards SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Dave Wilson #18 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw as defensive back Jeff Fuller #49 of the San Francisco 49ers closes in for a hit during the game at Candlestick Park on September 29, 1985 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 20-17. (Photo by) 6. Billy Kilmer (1967-1970): 7,490 yards Nov 2, 1969; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Billy Kilmer (17) looks to throw against the St. Louis Cardinals at Tulane Stadium. Mandatory Credit Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports 5. Jim Everett (1994-1996): 10,622 yards SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jim Everett #17 of the New Orleans Saints points during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 29, 1995 in San Francisco, California. The Saints won 11-7. (Photo by) 4. Bobby Hebert (1985-1992) 14,630 yards 6 Sep 1992: Quarterback Bobby Hebert of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won the game, 15-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hixon /Allspor 3. Aaron Brooks (2000-2005): 19,156 yards ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 23: Aaron Brooks #2 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 23, 2005 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Saints 28-17. (Photo by) 2. Archie Manning (1971-1982): 21,734 yards Sep 22, 1974; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning (18) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Saints 24-0. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports 1. Drew Brees (2006-2020): 68,010 yards Oct 28, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) waits to take the field in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Ranking the top 20 passing yards leaders in Saints franchise history

Predicting which rookies make the cut for the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster
Predicting which rookies make the cut for the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster

USA Today

time12-05-2025

  • Sport
  • USA Today

Predicting which rookies make the cut for the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster

Predicting which rookies make the cut for the New Orleans Saints' 53-man roster Are all 53 players who will be on the New Orelans Saints' Week 1 roster already on the team? That doesn't feel likely, especially given the team's offseason strategy that's beginning to look more and more like a "soft rebuild" aimed at winning the NFC South while phasing out aging veterans. Derek Carr has already retired. Possible replacements for Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Tyrann Mathieu are in the building. Clarity on Taysom Hill's future feels like the next domino to fall. So while the Saints do have 90 players on their roster as of this moment, we've whittled the list down to 53 guys who are best-positioned to play in September. Here's a look at our latest projections position-by-position: Quarterbacks (2) Tyler Shough (rookie) Spencer Rattler Roster cuts: Derek Carr (retirement), Jake Haener We're guessing Shough wins this battle. Rattler is a late-round pick who didn't win any of his six starts last year. He had a lot to prove before a top-40 pick entered the picture. Shough will be given every opportunity to win this job but Rattler should make it a competition. How real that competition will be remains to be seen. Haener may catch on with the practice squad but he was drafted two offensive coaching staffs ago. He'll probably want to go somewhere else and seek better opportunities. Look for the Saints to sign a veteran backup to round out the group as a resource for the young guys to lean on. Running backs (4) Alvin Kamara Kendre Miller Devin Neal (rookie) Clyde Edwards-Helaire Roster cuts: Jordan Mims, Xazavian Valladay, Velus Jones Jr., Marcus Yarns (rookie) There may not be room for Edwards-Helaire if Miller finds his way in Year 3; he would need to play special teams to make the cut, and if it comes to that Jones has a decided advantage. But we'll see how it plays out. If Kellen Moore is determined to run the football, loading up on running backs makes sense. We probably shouldn't rule out Yarns at this point but he has a lot to prove as a rookie free agent. Tight ends (4) Juwan Johnson Foster Moreau Jack Stoll Dallin Holker Roster cuts: Treyton Welch, Michael Jacobson, Moliki Matavao (rookie) PUP: Taysom Hill (knee) The third tight end will need to be a good blocker to catch on in Moore's offense, and we don't know yet if Holker fits that description. The same can be said for Matavao, one of the Saints' seventh-round picks. But you can put that point in Stoll's favor. He has fans on the coaching staff who have worked with him before, and at this early stage he may have an early lead over Holker and the guys returning from last year's practice squad. Hill's knee injury may force him to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, so that's our current assumption. Left tackles (2) Taliese Fuaga Landon Young Roster cuts: Josiah Ezirim Our current plan figures to have Kelvin Banks Jr. starting at left guard with Fuaga remaining the starter at left tackle, and this projection reflects that. If that's the case, Young has shown he can be relied on in a pinch, while Ezirim likely spends another season on the practice squad (unless the new coaching staff has someone else in mind to develop). Left guards (3) Kelvin Banks Jr. (rookie) Dillon Radunz Nick Saldiveri Roster cuts: Kyle Hergel Radunz is expecting to compete for the starting job at left guard but we're guessing Banks proves to be a better option. Still, he's a better "sixth man" to dress out on game days than guys like Shane Lemieux or Olisaemeka Udoh were a year ago. Landon Young has played some left guard for the Saints, too. Unless he can prove he can stay healthy Saldiveri may not be long for New Orleans. He's healthy right now and that's what counts. Hergel is a good bet to stash on the practice squad. Centers (2) Erik McCoy Will Clapp Roster cuts: Torricelli Simpkins III (rookie) Repeat this with me: the Saints went 1-11 in games McCoy missed or exited early due to injury last year. They need to have a viable backup on standby, and Clapp has filled that role before. It's worth dressing him out on Sundays in case he's needed. Right guards (1) Cesar Ruiz Roster cuts: Easton Kilty (rookie) Radunz has played on the right side before (and so has Clapp) so the Saints do have some depth behind Ruiz, even if it isn't immediately obvious. Injuries did keep him out of four games last year so it's worth building some flexibility into the depth chart. Right tackles (1) Trevor Penning Roster cuts: Ryan Ramczyk (retirement), Josh Ball Landon Young cross-trained at right tackle after lining up on the left side in college and the Saints have asked him to fill in at this spot before, so he would be the go-to backup for Penning if he misses time. A longer absence would require some retooling, so you could make the case for investing in a better backup plan. Maybe the new coaching staff considers moving Nick Saldiveri back to right tackle, his college position, to work on that. Wide receivers (5) Chris Olave Rashid Shaheed Brandin Cooks Bub Means Cedrick Wilson Jr. Roster cuts: Kevin Austin Jr., Mason Tipton, Dante Pettis, Chris Tyree (rookie), Moochie Dixon (rookie) It would be really nice if the Saints can talk Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper into a reunion with Kellen Moore, but they may settle for a more budget-friendly option like Donovan Peoples-Jones, who tried out at rookie minicamp over the weekend. Wilson's experience in Moore's offense gives him an edge over Austin, Tipton, and Pettis, and the two rookie free agents have a lot to prove over the summer. Special teams (3) Punters: James Burnip (undrafted) Kickers: Blake Grupe Long snapper: Zach Wood Roster cuts: Matthew Hayball (punter), Charlie Smyth (kicker) The punter job is hard to hold onto in New Orleans -- the Saints could be on their fourth punter in four years since they cut Thomas Morstead (Blake Gillikin in 2021 and 2022, Lou Hedley in 2023, and Hayball in 2024). Burnip has a real shot at winning that competition after he flashed sky-high potential at Alabama. Smyth needs to work on his short-range accuracy and, right now, we're guessing Grupe outduels him again. Nose tackles/0-tech (1) Davon Godchaux Roster cuts: John Ridgeway III, Khristian Boyd, Omari Thomas (rookie) Godchaux figures to play 40 snaps a game in this role, so there isn't much room for anyone behind him. Ridgeway or Boyd (or both of them) could return to the practice squad, but you have to think all the teams that were high on Boyd in last year's draft would consider poaching him off of waivers. Maybe the new coaching staff can get more out of him than last year's crew. Defensive tackles/3-tech (3) Bryan Bresee Nathan Shepherd Vernon Broughton (rookie) Roster cuts: Khalen Saunders Shepherd and Broughton both have the versatility to line up head-over-center as nose tackles or kick a little further outside and play defensive end in a 3-4 front, and that could be really helpful. Broughton in particular might play more of that role behind Cameron Jordan than we're anticipating. But Brandon Staley uses a 3-tech more often than you'd think and Bresee should get plenty of reps doing what he does best in this defense. Saunders might be the odd man out. Defensive ends/5-tech (2) Cameron Jordan Jasheen Davis (rookie) Roster cuts: Jonah Williams Here's one of the few undrafted free agents we're picking to make the team: Davis, the rookie defensive lineman from Wake Forest. He finished second and third in school history for tackles for loss and sacks, and he has a ton of experience making plays in the dynamic front Staley is installing. Williams is better versed in Staley's terminology, having played for him before, but Davis has greater potential and he'd be a good backup for Jordan. But we could see Vernon Broughton take that role, too. Edge rushers/7-tech (4) Chase Young Carl Granderson Isaiah Foskey Fadil Diggs (rookie) Roster cuts: Chris Rumph II Same thing here: Rumph has played in Staley's defense before but we're going with the younger pro in hopes of coaching him up. Diggs was a highly-regarded "culture" influence at both Texas A&M and Syracuse and was named a team captain three times. That's exactly what the Saints need rounding out their depth chart in this rebuild even if he only plays special teams to start out. It's now or never for Foskey, and we're hoping a new system finally uncorks his potential. Linebackers (6) Demario Davis Pete Werner Danny Stutsman (rookie) Nephi Sewell Anfernee Orji Jaylan Ford Roster cuts: D'Marco Jackson, Isaiah Stalbird, Tyreem Powell (rookie) It's going to be really, really tough to keep Stutsman off the field, especially if he's running as well for the Saints as he did at Oklahoma. New Orleans has always used linebackers in a lot of roles on special teams under Darren Rizzi and his right-hand man Phil Galiano stepping up as coordinator likely maintains that trend, so we could see all four of the guys behind Davis and Werner dressing out on Sundays. Jackson probably has the best shot at displacing one of them, though. Safeties (5) Tyrann Mathieu Justin Reid Jonas Sanker (rookie) J.T. Gray Jordan Howden Roster cuts: Ugo Amadi, Millard Bradford, Elliott Davison (rookie) Sanker needs to play real defensive snaps right away, and his impressive game tape in run defense should do a lot to help his case. The sooner he's developing into the long-term replacement for Mathieu, the better, but we're guessing Reid will end up being the new face of the safety position for the Saints. Howden needs to step up and earn a roster spot after showing too much inconsistency to start his career. Cornerbacks (5) Alontae Taylor Kool-Aid McKinstry Isaac Yiadom Rico Payton Quincy Riley (rookie) Roster cuts: Rejzohn Wright, Travion Fluellen, Dalys Beanum (rookie) This group still feels like it needs another player, but these may be the best five corners on the roster. Taylor, McKinstry, and Yiadom have all started NFL games before and put quality tape on film (as well as some low moments). Payton was remarkably flashy last year on a small sample size. Riley was downright dominant at times in college and it wouldn't shock us to see him in the starting lineup by September, but that's an opportunity he'll need to earn.

What Kansas Draft Choice Devin Neal Adds To Saints Offense
What Kansas Draft Choice Devin Neal Adds To Saints Offense

Yahoo

time10-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

What Kansas Draft Choice Devin Neal Adds To Saints Offense

For the last several years, the New Orleans Saints have failed to provide a complement at running back to Alvin Kamara. As a result, the Saints haven't been able to move Kamara around their formations as often and have been forced to rely on running him more between the tackles. Taysom Hill has been the second best rushing option for New Orleans. Hill is undoubtedly a punishing and productive weapon, but the team was expected to add a physical runner sometime during the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement New Orleans did just that. With the eighth choice of the sixth round and pick number 184 overall, the Saints selected running back Devin Neal from Kansas. Here's a closer look at Neal's collegiate career and what he'll bring to New Orleans. RB - Devin Neal, Kansas Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) runs through the Colorado Buffaloes. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images It was a short trip from Neal graduating Lawrence High School with his collegiate choice of the University of Kansas. He'd contribute immediately, leading the Jayhawks with 707 rushing yards and 8 scores as a freshman in 2021. Over his last three seasons, Neal eclipsed 1,000 yards each year. He averaged 1,086 rushing yards and 5.7 per carry over his four years with the Jayhawks and scored 53 touchdowns. In both 2023 and 2024, Neal ran for over 1,265 yards and rushed for 16 scores in each season. Advertisement Neal isn't a bad athlete, but lacks breakaway speed and doesn't bring a home-run threat to the position. He'll also need to develop his skills in the passing game to be an every down back. He struggles in blitz pickup and hasn't shown much natural ability as a pass categories out of the backfield. Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Houston Cougars. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images While a physical runner, Neal has an upright style that gives tacklers an easy target. He'll need to improve his leverage for better contact balance and eliminate any hesitation when first hitting open lanes. Listed at 5'11" and 213-Lbs., Neal has an angry running style that fans love. He does have an impressive initial burst that gets him to daylight and an extra gear to pull away from defenders. Advertisement Neal has nice vision for zone-blocking schemes and a one-cut style that allows him to hit the hole quickly. His excellent lateral agility also causes him to make tacklers miss often, with the combined power to lower his head for extra yardage. Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs with the ball against the UNLV Rebels. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images William Purnell-Imagn Images Not just a between-the-tackles runner, Neal has the speed to be dangerous on off-tackle plays. He's shown that he can handle a heavy volume of touches and still be effective late into games or a season. Devin Neal will need to improve as a receiver and blocker for every down duties. With the Saints, his abilities as a runner could finally give the team another legitimate backfield threat without having to rely on the versatility of Taysom Hill. Advertisement If Neal is able to be productive as a runner between the tackles and outside, then New Orleans could again use Kamara's incredible abilities around the formation. That 1-2 punch, along with Hill, can again add an element of unpredictability in the New Orleans offensive attack. Related: How Louisville Draft Pick Quincy Riley Fills A Saints Need Related: Why The Saints Targeted Oklahoma Linebacker Danny Stutsman In The Draft Related: Best Remaining Prospects For Day 3 Of the 2025 NFL Draft Related: Final New Orleans Saints 7-Round NFL Mock Draft

Has Taysom Hill already scored his last touchdown for the Saints?
Has Taysom Hill already scored his last touchdown for the Saints?

USA Today

time04-05-2025

  • Sport
  • USA Today

Has Taysom Hill already scored his last touchdown for the Saints?

Has Taysom Hill already scored his last touchdown for the Saints? New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis didn't divulge a lot of information in the team's pre and post-draft press conferences, but one brief comment stood out after we went and listened to it again. When asked about star tight end/quarterback/wide receiver/fullback/special teams ace Taysom Hill, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear last December, Loomis spoke with a bit of an ominous tone about the 34-year old pro. "Well, look, he had a serious knee injury, so it's gonna be a while," Loomis said. Hill's salary cap hit remains second-highest on the team, at $17,986,500, only trailing behind Derek Carr ($20,462,000). He hasn't taken the same steps to retirement as we've seen with Ryan Ramczyk, who reduced his base salary to the minimum before making that announcement (just like Drew Brees, Malcolm Jenkins, and a few others did before him). So that suggests Hill isn't ready to hang his cleats up just yet. At the same time, it's a scenario the Saints may need to prepare for. If Hill does retire this summer then they would likely process his departure after June 2, leaving behind $7,896,500 in dead money on this year's salary cap while deferring another $9,723,000 to next year's books. He'll be 35 when the season starts and is coming off an injury which has ended the careers of younger players. This is also the last year of his contract. If Hill intends on playing out this deal as written, it would cost the Saints an extra $10 million to keep him than cut him. There's nothing to be done about that $9.7 million salary cap hit in 2026, which will come due whether or not he's on the team this season. Restructuring him, which the Saints could have done at any point, would only reduce his 2025 cap hit to about $12.2 million while raising the dead money owed next year to as much as $16.7 million. That's not insignificant no matter how high the salary cap rises. Whether that's worth it is debatable, but the Saints don't appear to be rushing into that decision. They're projected to have more than $20 million in cap space after signing their rookie draft class so they don't need an answer right away. With Hill still recovering from a major injury, they're willing to wait on him and let him end his career how he chooses. Hill has done a lot for the team in his 8-year career: running for 2,437 yards and 33 touchdowns while gaining 943 yards as a receiver, with 11 touchdown catches; he's also thrown for 2,369 yards with 11 touchdown passes; on special teams, he's gained 489 yards on 14 kick returns and been credited with 13 tackles (4 assists), a fumble recovery, and two blocked punts. He's a unique player in a unique situation. Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of No. 7.

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