Taysom Hill talks fighting for specific role with Saints

Versatile New Orleans Saints offensive weapon Taysom Hill is fighting for a larger wide-receiver role now that Derek Carr is cemented atop the depth chart as the club's starting quarterback. 

"The throwing stuff as a quarterback or running, that stuff we've been doing that for a long time and that's come really natural for me," Hill explained during mandatory minicamp, as shared by John DeShazier of the Saints website. "I think running routes and catching balls, that was a foreign thing for me and I also think because of that, we haven't done a ton of it and I think there's some opportunities there that we just haven't explored yet. As I look at next season, I think the hope and the expectation is that that expands a little bit."

It was learned back in November 2021 that Hill agreed to a unique four-year extension that paid according to where he features in the New Orleans offense. While club legend Drew Brees later campaigned for Hill to receive additional snaps at quarterback, ESPN stats show the 32-year-old attempted just 19 passes during Dennis Allen's first campaign as head coach. 

Hill also finished the regular season second among Saints players with 96 carries and 575 rushing yards, and he led the team with seven touchdowns on the ground. The veteran who tallied only nine receptions for 77 yards and two scores desires a bigger role in the passing game but still wants to contribute as a rusher. 

"I think a lot of these questions are what does (offensive coordinator) Pete (Carmichael) and (offensive line coach) Doug (Marrone) and what do those guys want to do in the run game this year," Hill said. "I'm certainly hopeful that I still get my carries and there's opportunities that way. But whatever it is, I'm happy to do it. I think now, we just have more time on task and so, let's figure out what that is that you have been doing and give you the coaching you need to be successful at it."

Carr indicated he'll utilize Hill as a check-down safety blanket because of Hill's ability to "run through" and "run over" would-be tacklers. While Hill's chances of ever becoming New Orleans's QB1 are likely long gone, he nevertheless could emerge as one of Carr's favorite targets as the signal-caller looks to put a disappointing end to his Las Vegas Raiders tenure behind him.