Even the New Orleans Saints couldn’t determine Taysom Hill’s exact worth by offering him one of the strangest contracts in NFL history.
Regardless of the total amount he will get, the hybrid player can still get a ton of money even if he’s playing spot minutes.
His contract extension runs for four years, and it could be worth $40 to $95 million.
He’s already guaranteed $22.5 million but could earn more depending on which position he plays.
Taysom Hill’s hybrid deal is unique and unlike other contracts because it pays him a $40 million base salary for the role that he’s currently playing, and up to an additional $55 million if he does become the Saints’ starting QB for the next four seasons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2021
The mystery continues because Hill is like Kordell Stewart or Troy Brown.
He can play multiple positions and contribute to all of them.
Hill is like a Swiss Army Knife that head coach Sean Payton could use whenever he needs.
However, here are three roles that he can fill for the Saints, especially now that they are on a three-game losing streak.
3. Special Teams Holder
The Saints are in the midst of a slump, and they need to score points in any way possible.
It would help their cause if their defense could generate some interception returns for touchdowns.
Likewise, their special teams can help move the ball by executing well-timed trick plays.
taysom hill today pic.twitter.com/Gt0DFoEMaL
— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) November 22, 2021
Placing Hill as the holder will leave a seed of doubt within the opposing team about their true intentions.
They can catch the receiving team off guard by attempting a pass for a first down.
Even on punting plays, they can place Hill somewhere and receive the snap to make a pass.
It’s a creative way to use all four downs and expand their scoring opportunities.
2. Tight End
Hill used to be a tight end, and he can still play the position.
Using him at that spot gives the Saints an extra thrower on the field, expanding their offensive schemes.
New Orleans is not getting much from their current tight ends Nick Vannett, Garrett Griffin, and Juwan Johnson.
I think the Saints need to use a heavy dose of Taysom Hill tonight. So many key players out. You’ll need 7 to be at his best.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) November 25, 2021
They have a combined 13 receptions for 158 yards and three touchdowns.
Therefore, they need a boost at the position, and Hill can add some versatility at that spot.
Aside from being an extra blocker, the Saints can run gadget plays with him through lateral passes.
1. Quarterback
This position gives him the biggest money possible from his flexible contract.
However, he can only earn that much if he becomes the team’s starting quarterback in the next four years.
Getting to that spot might be an uphill climb because Jameis Winston looks to be their primary play-caller for the foreseeable future.
At present, Trevor Siemian is struggling, and Hill might have a chance to play under center.
A few clips from #Saints practice. Taysom Hill was extra cheery today. Terron Armstead, Ty Montgomery, and Ken Crawley returned to practice. Also a Malcolm Perry sighting. (s/o to @ByLukeJohnson & @Amie_Just for the assist in finding these guys 100 yds away)@WWLTV pic.twitter.com/o7XENVfaVp
— Brooke Kirchhofer (@brookechesney) November 24, 2021
He did have success at quarterback last season when Drew Brees was out due to injury.
If the Saints need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, Hill will be Payton’s best bet.
Their offense will have another look when he takes the most critical position on the field.
That won’t be a problem because Payton gives his quarterbacks a chance to be successful.
Really strange that the Saints extended Taysom Hill 4 more years. He has no clear position. He’s not a good starting quarterback. Not a particularly good backup quarterback either.
— Pittsburgh Pirates Rant Podcast (@BrianCornell16) November 23, 2021
Hill and the offense need to score enough points and let their defense dominate.
That formula might be enough to give them wins.
NEXT: Saints And Taysom Hill Come Together On A Unique Contract