Could Hill be on his way to the mountains?
Taysom Hill, fantasy football favorite and former New Orleans Saints everyman, announced he wouldn't be returning to the "Big Easy" earlier in the week, leaving the soon-to-be 36-year-old without an NFL home for the first time since 2017.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, though, may leave the key under the mat for Hill. Hill developed a reputation of being a Swiss army knife player under Payton's coaching between 2017 and 2021, becoming a versatile weapon in Payton's scheme (and a league-winner in some fantasy football circles).
Payton said on Aug. 1 that he'd consider bringing Hill in if the circumstances are right, adding that he'll likely see Hill at Drew Brees' Hall of Fame enshrinement this
coming week.
"I think we would definitely look closely at, where's he (Hill) at," Payton told NFL Network's Steve Wyche and Cynthia Frelund. "And there's a lot that goes into that. We know he's healthy. The injury that he had wasn't just an ACL, it was like a complete knee reconstruction, and so the info is – our doctor who knows right where he's at."
Payton said he has run into Hill several times this offseason and believes the Broncos won't be the only team that "kicks the tires" to see how Hill continues to recover years after a 2024 knee injury cut his season short.
He added that doctors believe the second year after the surgery Hill had typically results in the knee being stronger.
Hill's reputation as a weapon on offense manifested itself under Payton, especially during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, during which he accounted for a combined 22 rushing, receiving and passing touchdowns from multiple positions, including as spot-starter quarterback.
The Broncos, who are angling to at least return to the AFC championship game after a loss this past season to the New England Patriots, could add another wrinkle to their offense with Hill in tow, if they go that route.
With Bo Nix firmly entrenched as the team's starter, Denver could support their young passer with a player of Hill's offensive versatility.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sean Payton doesn't close door on Taysom Hill-Broncos union
