The dominoes are continuing to fall for the Denver Broncos as the 2024 NFL offseason marches ahead. With an underwhelming 8-9 season finalized in the books, the focus now turns to how this franchise can make the necessary moves to reach a coveted postseason spot next year.
While the process of adding new faces to the roster has yet to begin in terms of on-field additions, the Broncos have made some changes on the sidelines for head coach Sean Payton, which could lead to an increasing number of his familiar faces joining aboard his ship for next season.
Last week, the Broncos hired of Pete Carmichael to Payton's staff as an offensive assistant. Carmichael was the offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints from 2009-23 and played a significant role alongside Payton during his tenure with the team.
In Payton's lengthy time with New Orleans, the wildcard of Taysom Hill stuck as a key component within his offensive system. The unique positional versatility Hill provides is a one-of-one skill set in the league that consistently perplexes opposing defenses every Sunday.
You can expect to see Hill mesh anywhere on the offensive side of the ball from receiver, running back, and even quarterback. Now signs may be pointing toward the Saints' 33-year-old being on Denver's radar this summer.
According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS, the Carmichael hire could inevitably lead to the addition of Hill to the Broncos roster ahead of next season:
"With Carmichael joining the Broncos, there is a chance offensive hybrid player Taysom Hill may not be far behind. Hill is a Payton/Carmichael creation who plays quarterback, Wildcat running back and H-back receiver on offense and also has been known to contribute on special teams as a returner and gunner. In recent years, Hill has been especially used as a weapon in the red zone, where the Broncos struggled last year especially in goal-to-go situations. Hill currently has two years at $10 million each left on his contract although because none of that money is guaranteed it would be a surprise if adjustments are not made."
Without Payton and Carmichael manning the offensive unit in New Orleans for Hill anymore, the path to a new Saints coaching staff carving out a similar role for him in 2024 gets a bit bleak.
The contractual situation for Hill makes it much more feasible for a shift to Denver to occur. Considering the money on his current deal is non-guaranteed, it allows the Saints (who sit in a worse cap situation than the Broncos) to cut ties with Taysom without strings attached. If New Orleans had interest in cutting $10 million of their league-highest payroll, a move like this is much within reason.
During his 2023 campaign, Hill posted 401 rushing yards and 291 receiving yards while getting into the end zone six times. Even if he's reaching the back nine of his playing career, he could still provide a complimentary role to Payton's offense in Denver to be an explosive weapon for whatever quarterback leads the charge next season.
With Hill still under contract with New Orleans, it could take some time to see if the Saints go in a new direction this summer. However, if they do, keep a keen eye on the Broncos as a prime destination for the seven-year league vet.
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