Taysom Hill doing things he's 'never done before' in Saints' new offense

In seven seasons, New Orleans Saints Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill has been listed as a quarterback, wide receiver and tight end.

Under the scheme of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Hill is expanding his repertoire to include more backfield work. During OTAs, he is taking handoffs and positioning himself in a fullback role.

“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.”

Reporters at offseason workouts have noted that Hill has been utilized as a shotgun running back and a lead blocker in the fullback position, in addition to his responsibilities as a tight end.

“Hill said, “The more we are capable of doing, the more challenging and rewarding it becomes.”

The Saints have not dismissed the possibility of utilizing Hill as a passing threat under Kubiak’s direction. However, it currently appears evident that his primary role will be as a runner and a receiver.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hill participated in 425 offensive snaps in 2023. He played 115 snaps as a quarterback (often keeping the ball to run), 80 snaps as a tight end, 130 in the slot, 71 as a wide receiver, and 29 in the backfield. Among his backfield plays, only one was as a fullback.

Over the years, Hill has demonstrated his ability to perform wherever he is positioned on the chess board. There were instances in the previous season where the Saints offense noticeably improved when he was actively involved. However, his absence of a defined position sometimes made it easy for him to get lost within the offense.

The anticipated changes Kubiak is set to make in the Saints offense, including the notable use of Hill, mark the most significant revision the team has seen since Sean Payton assumed control in 2006.