Hill restructured his contract Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
What it means:
The move, coupled with a restructuring of linebacker Demario Davis' contract, gives the Saints close to $13 million in cap space. Despite playing in four more games this season, Hill saw almost 100 less offensive snaps than 2021, but he still set a career high in total yards (652), specifically emerging as a dangerous ball carrier to the tune of 6.0 yards per carry (on 96 attempts). The Saints are expected to be in the hunt for one of the top quarterbacks on the open market meaning Hill likely will continue to operate in his super utility role moving forward.
Hill recorded five carries for 24 yards and hauled in his only target for one yard during Sunday's 10-7 defeat versus Carolina.
What it means:
Hill saw a downturn in workload during Sunday's regular-season finale, as he logged his fewest number of touches since the Week 13 loss to Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old was limited by a back injury during Week 18 prep, so it's possible this issue could have affected his usage. Hill finishes the 2022 campaign with career lows as a passer, completing 13 of 19 attempts for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Instead, his versatile role on offense shifted distinctly toward the ground game, recording career highs in carries (96) and rushing yards (575) to go along with seven rushing touchdowns. He also collected nine receptions (on 13 targets) for 77 yards and two touchdowns, and his 11 total touchdowns are the second-most of any season in his six-year career. With the Saints' lacking both a clear starting quarterback and No. 2 running back heading into the offseason, Hill seems poised to continue serving as a key component of the team's offense in 2023.
Taysom Hill (back) will play in Week 18 for New Orleans
What it means:
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill will play Sunday in the team's Week 18 game against the Carolina Panthers.
Hill entered the weekend with a questionable designation due to a back injury. Despite the ailment, he has received the green light to take the field in the team's last game of the year.
Our models project Hill for 17.5 passing yards, 53.5 rushing yards, 0.7 all-purpose touchdowns and 11.6 FanDuel points.
Hill (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
What it means:
Hill experienced a cap on his practice reps Wednesday through Friday due to a back issue and exited Week 18 prep as questionable to suit up Sunday. With his availability now confirmed, he can continue his typical gadget role in the Saints offense, which involves far more work on the ground than any other aspect at this point in his career. In 15 appearances this season, Hill has reeled off 6.1 YPC and seven touchdowns on his 91 rushes, but he's also added a pair of scores as both a passer and receiver.
The Saints list Hill (back) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
What it means:
Hill and fellow tight end Juwan Johnson (quadriceps) are both taking questionable tags into the weekend, though the two fill wildly different roles in the New Orleans offense despite being listed as position mates. While Johnson serves as the Saints' top pass catcher at the position, Hill is a more versatile weapon for New Orleans, with most of his opportunities of late coming as the de facto top backup to starting running back Alvin Kamara. If Hill is cleared to play through his back issue, he'll likely be in store for a handful of carries behind Kamara and could see some occasional reps as a goal-line or short-yardage quarterback.
Taysom Hill (back) questionable for Saints' Week 18 matchup versus Panthers
What it means:
New Orleans Saints quarterback / tight end Taysom Hill (back) is questionable to play in Week 18's game against the Carolina Panthers.
After three limited practices, Hill's availability is currently in question with a back injury. In a potential matchup versus a Carolina defense allowing 8.3 FanDuel points per game to his position, our models project Hill to score 11.6 FanDuel points.
Hill's current projection includes 1.6 completions for 17.5 yards and 11.4 rushing attempts for 53.5 yards.