Taysom Hill: If Saints don't view me as QB 'then I have to leave'
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill is a restricted free agent looking to eventually find a permanent role under center.
"I definitely view myself as a franchise quarterback," Hill said in an interview with Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press. "I think as you look at the other questions, is it New Orleans? Is it somewhere else? As you go into free agency, this is the time that you start to find out how people view you. We haven't gotten into free agency long enough to really know how these guys view me and we'll just handle it as it comes."
Hill's desire to play quarterback may lead to his departure from New Orleans after three strong seasons with the NFC South organization.
"I have loved every second of my time (in New Orleans). So do I want to leave? The fact of the matter is no, I don't," he said. "But as you look at free agency, you have to find the right opportunity for you. You have to find the situation to take care of your family. I want to play quarterback in this league, and if New Orleans don't view me that way, well then I have to leave. That's really where we're at."
An undrafted player out of BYU, Hill was claimed by the Saints in 2017. He attempted 13 passes during his time in New Orleans and completed 3 of 6 attempts for 55 yards last season.
The 29-year-old became known for his versatility, posting 234 yards receiving with six touchdowns in 2019 while rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. Overall, he played in five different offensive positions last year, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
| Position | Snap count |
|---|---|
| Tight end | 75 |
| Slot receiver | 64 |
| Outside receiver | 37 |
| Quarterback | 36 |
| Running back | 20 |
Hill was also a force on special teams, playing 285 snaps while blocking a punt in 2019.
All three of the team's quarterbacks are pending free agents this offseason. Along with Hill, Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater are looking for new contracts ahead of the 2020 campaign.
In 2019, Brees started 11 games for New Orleans; Bridgewater amassed five starts while filling in for the injured signal-caller.
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