The Denver Broncos are hopeful that Sean Payton will help them turn things around in 2023. 2022 was a disaster with Nathaniel Hackett as head coach, as the team fell woefully short of expectations and had the worst scoring offense in the NFL. Given the talent on the roster and the acquisition of Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, it is actually impressive how poorly they performed.
Payton’s No. 1 goal will be to get Wilson back on track. After 10 stellar seasons with the Seahawks, he had the least productive season of his career under Hackett. Whatever the reasons may have been for the struggles, it will be Payton’s responsibility to straighten things out.
There are certainly some pieces to work with. The offensive line is solid and the wide receiver group is deep and talented with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and a returning Tim Patrick. Two young tight ends, Greg Dulcich and Albert Okwuegbunam, are also present, giving Payton plenty to work with. Javonte Williams will also hopefully be back at some point after suffering a devastating knee injury in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
But, facts are facts. This was an offense that performed abysmally in 2022, so it wouldn’t hurt to shake things up roster-wise. Could Payton look to bring in a familiar face from his time with the New Orleans Saints in Taysom Hill?
Hill was a favorite of Payton’s during his tenure as Saints head coach and could look to make a move for him this offseason. Hill spent last season listed as a tight end of the Saints depth chart, but he is a do-it-all Swiss army knife.
Hill was productive in his role last season, rushing the ball 96 times for 575 yards and seven touchdowns. He added nine receptions for 77 yards and two more scores while completing 13-of-19 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. That kind of offensive punch could certainly be used in the Mile High City.
In salary-cap hell, New Orleans should be open to moving virtually anyone in the right deal. Turning 33 in August and seemingly having no plans to deploy him as the starting quarterback, the Saints would be smart to get out of his contract and receive any sort of compensation in return for him.
Short on draft capital because of the moves to acquire Wilson and Payton, the Broncos could offer the Saints a 2024 fifth-round pick that has the chance to turn into a fourth based on some incentives. If New Orleans designates him as a post-June 1 trade, they will have $9.9 million in cap savings and only $4.025 million in dead money.
For a team as cash-strapped as the Saints, a move like that is something they should strongly consider making. Getting any sort of draft compensation back should be seen as a positive as well.
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