The Denver Broncos could pursue Taysom Hill as their needed “joker.”

Since Sean Payton joined the Broncos in 2023, six former New Orleans Saints joined the team. Plus, 15 different coaches and front office personnel followed Payton west. That includes new special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.

So it only makes sense the Broncos could look to sign Hill, a versatile playmaker who excelled for Payton.

Denver Broncos could pursue Taysom Hill as the “joker” playmaker

The Broncos blew expectations away in 2024.

Las Vegas had them winning five or six games, but Payton pushed them to a 10-7 record.

Yes, the defense carried the Broncos to the playoffs. But Payton was able to push young players to exceed their own personal expectations, too. Rookies Bo Nix and Devaughn Vele balled out, respectively. Marvin Mims enjoyed a breakout season. And the offensive line gelled around fourth-year veteran and All-Pro Quinn Meinerz.

When Payton’s Broncos fell short against the Bills in Buffalo on Wild Card Weekend, it was as evident then as all year long the offense needs more playmakers.

And he said they need a “joker” in the lead up to Super Bowl LIX.

Denver had Adam Trautman–one of those former Saints–but they didn’t have a big-time tight end. Hill would fit that mold, even though he’d be more a slot receiver than tight end. Hill could also line up as a running back, where he’s been used most frequently throughout his career.

The 6’2″ 221-pound all-around weapon has 2,437 career rushing yards, with a great 5.6 yard per carry average. Hill’s also scored 33 times on the ground, and 11 times through the air; the dude has a nose for the goal line.

At 34 years old, he’s getting closer to the end of his career. But Hill rushed for 278 yards and 6 TDs last year, in only 8 games of play. His 7.1 YPC were the highest of his career, too, including a 75-yard touchdown scamper against the Browns.

Is taking the ball out of Bo Nix’s hands smart?

Besides his age being a downside, the Broncos would have to trade for Hill, who has one year left on his current deal. Or the Saints could cut him, but it would mean a $17 million dead cap hit in either instance. Ian Rapoport said it’s “hard to imagine” New Orleans brings Hill back.

But Denver signing him could mean taking the ball out of Bo Nix’s hands.

Hill runs a lot of wildcat plays, meaning Nix would likely be out on those plays. Of course, Payton would likely draw up some plays with motion, so he could keep both Hill and Nix on the field at the same time. He did have the rookie quarterback catch a touchdown pass last year; imagine Hill throwing a TD to Nix.

Nix is the future of the quarterback position in Denver and he needs all the snaps possible to continue to develop. So, using Hill in the wildcat sparingly seems to make the most sense. And only if those plays are making splashes, because Nix can take off on the ground on his own.

If the price is right–both in trade and his contract number–it’s possible the Denver Broncos could pursue Taysom Hill.

Like with any move, George Payton and Sean Payton will have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze.