The Denver Broncos are gearing up for an active offseason, setting their sights on bolstering their offense around franchise quarterback Bo Nix. Last season, the Broncos saw Courtland Sutton become their lone 1,000-yard receiver, while Marvin Mims trailed significantly with just 503 yards. A lack of offensive firepower became more evident when you look at the tight end production; Adam Trautman led that group with a mere 188 receiving yards, a puzzling statistic given the high standards typically associated with a Sean Payton offense.
As the offseason approaches, and with free agency looming in March, one name is generating considerable buzz in Broncos circles: Taysom Hill. Payton, who drafted and coached Hill during his time with the New Orleans Saints, crafted a versatile “Swiss Army Knife” role for the former BYU standout. Hill’s ability to fit into a variety of positions adds an intriguing layer to Denver’s offensive strategy.
Currently, Hill is in the final year of a four-year, $40 million contract he signed back in March 2021. However, the Saints are facing significant cap challenges, sitting nearly $50 million over the limit as they head into the offseason. This situation opens the door for a potential release of Hill, especially since cutting him after June 1 could save the Saints $10 million, all while carrying a hefty $18 million cap hit.
Last season was a challenging one for Hill, who managed to take the field in only eight games due to a torn ACL suffered against the Los Angeles Rams. However, when he did play, he made an impact, rushing for 278 yards on an impressive 7.1 yards per carry and finding the end zone six times. He also contributed as a receiver with 23 catches for 187 yards, showcasing his versatility. The depth of his usage is evident; he took 24 snaps at running back, 91 at wide receiver, 43 at tight end, and another 41 at fullback. This multi-faceted playstyle is exactly what teams are searching for in today’s game.
Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard has spotlighted the Broncos, alongside the Seahawks, as potential suitors for Hill, emphasizing the connection between Hill and Payton. “It’s not gonna just be in the Seattle market,” Huard mentioned. “It’s in the Denver market, because Sean Payton coached him down in New Orleans.” This reinforces the idea that Hill could very well reunite with Payton and provide the offensive dynamism the Broncos are seeking.
Indeed, the Broncos are likely to pursue a range of offensive upgrades, including running backs, tight ends, and possibly a few more wide receivers. Hill would be a fascinating addition to this mix, offering the ability to contribute in multiple roles. With the right pieces in place, you can envision Bo Nix entering next season with the potential for one of the best offensive campaigns in Broncos history, harkening back to the era when Peyton Manning was at the helm. The future is looking bright for Nix and the Broncos as they look to invigorate their offense.
