If you’ve spent any time watching the New Orleans Saints over the last few years, you’ve probably heard the jokes. He’s the "human Swiss Army knife." The "Mormon Missile." The guy who keeps getting paid like a starting quarterback while playing tight end, gunner, and everything in between.
But as we hit early 2026, the vibe in New Orleans is changing. The novelty has worn off, replaced by a much more serious conversation about legacy, health, and whether the Taysom Hill era is finally reaching its natural conclusion.
Honestly? Most people are looking at the wrong numbers. They see the dipping stats from the 2025 season and think he’s done. They see the 35-year-old on the roster and assume the Saints are ready to move on. The reality is way more complicated than a box score.
The 1,000-1,000-1,000 Club: History Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s talk about what happened on December 21, 2025. The Saints were busy dismantling the Jets 29-6. Most of the headlines went to the rookie Tyler Shough, who had a massive day through the air. But Taysom did something that literally no other player in the Super Bowl era has ever done.
By the end of that game, he had eclipsed 1,000 career yards in three separate categories: passing, rushing, and receiving. Think about how absurd that is.
In a league that demands specialization, Hill has been the ultimate outlier. We’re talking about a guy who has 2,388 career passing yards, 2,545 rushing yards, and, as of that Jets game, exactly 1,002 receiving yards. He’s the first player since Frank Gifford to reach double-digit touchdowns in all three categories too.
It's not just "versatility." It’s a complete refusal to be categorized.
✨ Don't miss: Kurt Warner Height: What Most People Get Wrong About the QB Legend
Why the 2025 Season Felt Different
Despite the history-making moments, 2025 wasn't easy for Hill. He started the year on the PUP list, still grinding through the aftermath of that brutal ACL tear from the end of 2024. People forget he’s 35. Recovering from a major knee reconstruction at that age is basically a full-time job in itself.
He didn't even make his season debut until October 5th against the Giants.
When he did get back, the workload was... weird. Some games he’d disappear. In Week 14 against Tampa Bay, he had two carries for negative yardage. Then, a few weeks later against the Jets, he’s throwing 38-yard touchdowns and leading the team in rushing.
The consistency isn't there like it used to be. You've probably noticed it.
The 2025 campaign ended on a sour note, too. During the Week 18 loss to the Falcons on January 4, 2026, Hill had to leave early with a shoulder injury. It turned out to be an AC joint sprain—nothing career-ending, but a nagging reminder that his "hit-everything-in-sight" playstyle has a shelf life.
Taysom Hill 2025-26 Season Snapshot
- Games Played: 13
- Rushing: 52 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: 11 catches, 91 yards
- Key Achievement: Only player in Super Bowl era with 1k/1k/1k passing, rushing, and receiving yards.
- Award: 2025 Ed Block Courage Award (voted by teammates).
The Contract Elephant in the Room
This is where things get "businessy" and a little depressing for Saints fans. Taysom is officially an unrestricted free agent heading into this 2026 offseason.
🔗 Read more: Juan Carlos Gabriel de Anda: Why the Controversial Sportscaster Still Matters
For years, Mickey Loomis has done cap gymnastics to keep Hill in New Orleans. But the current situation is tricky. Hill carries a massive dead cap hit for 2026—about $13.7 million—due to all those previous restructures. Because his contract is essentially "voiding," the Saints are on the hook for that money whether he’s on the team or not.
So, if you’re the Saints, do you let him walk and eat the $13.7 million for nothing? Or do you sign him to a cheap, one-year "legacy" deal to keep a locker room leader and a red-zone weapon around?
"I wouldn't want to play somewhere else," Taysom said back in December. He’s been vocal about his love for the city. But he also admitted the decision on retirement is something he has to tackle "down the road."
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Taysom Hill is a "gimmick" that doesn't work anymore.
If you look at the Saints' offensive efficiency in the red zone over the last three years, it spikes whenever #7 is on the field. Defensive coordinators still hate him. They have to spend valuable practice time preparing for a "Taysom Package" that might only show up for four plays.
That’s the "Taysom Tax." It forces the opposition to play slower and think more.
💡 You might also like: Ja Morant Height: Why the NBA Star Looks Bigger Than He Actually Is
Even in a "down" year statistically, his teammates voted him the Ed Block Courage Award winner. That tells you everything you need to know about his value. You can't replace that kind of leadership with a rookie tight end or a backup QB.
The Road Ahead for the Saints
New Orleans is in a transition phase. They’ve got young talent like Chris Olave and Tyler Shough taking over the spotlight. The defense is aging with guys like Cam Jordan and Demario Davis also facing retirement questions.
If this is the end for Taysom Hill in New Orleans, he leaves as one of the most unique figures in NFL history. He’s 10th in franchise history for total touchdowns. He’s 5th in career rushing touchdowns for the Saints, ahead of guys like Pierre Thomas.
Basically, he’s a Saints legend who doesn't have a real position.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you're a Saints fan or a fantasy manager trying to track what happens next, keep an eye on these specific triggers over the next month:
- The March 10th Deadline: This is the "Pre-6/1" cut/trade threshold. If the Saints are going to move on officially, you'll see movement around this date.
- Coaching Staff Comments: Pay attention to Kellen Moore’s interviews. If the offensive scheme is moving toward a pure "pro-style" look with Shough, there’s less room for Hill’s hybrid role.
- Physical Condition: Watch for updates on that AC joint sprain. If Hill isn't 100% by the start of the "legal tampering" period in March, retirement becomes much more likely.
- Veteran Minimum Watch: Don't be surprised if Hill returns on a very low base salary with heavy incentives. It’s the only way the cap math works for both sides.
The Saints are at a crossroads. Taysom Hill has given his body to this franchise for nearly a decade. Whether he suits up in 2026 or hangs them up to head back to Idaho, his impact on the New Orleans Saints' record books is permanently etched in stone. He isn't just a gadget player; he was the heartbeat of a post-Brees era that refused to go quietly.