SALT LAKE CITY — The possibility that Taysom Hill will remain with the New Orleans Saints in the 2020 season is looking more likely.
The Saints are planning on placing a first-round tender on the former BYU quarterback, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Friday afternoon. That means New Orleans would have the opportunity to match any offer sheet Hill signs with another team, or the Saints would get a first-round pick in return. He is set to be a restricted free agent when the new NFL league year begins March 18.
Saints putting money where mouth is: they’re planning to place 1st-round tender on restricted FA QB Taysom Hill, per source, meaning NO will have a chance to match any offer sheet he signs with another team or get back a first-round pick. Saints plan to re-sign him soon anyway.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2020
A first-round tender for restricted free agents is projected to be around $4.67 million for 2020, according to Over the Cap. Hill, who recently wrapped up his third season with the Saints, made a base salary of $645,000 in the final year of his three-year rookie deal in 2019, per Over the Cap.
Schefter also reported New Orleans believes they will have a deal done for their do-it-all backup quarterback before free agency opens.
First-round tender for RFA QBs is expected to come in around $5 million for 2020. But the Saints believe they’ll have a deal done with Taysom Hill before free agency, when another team can sign him to an offer sheet. https://t.co/PIYV8QxAsJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2020
Saints All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent along with New Orleans backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, announced on social media last month he is planning to return to the Saints for the 2020 season.
When news broke of Brees’ return, Hill showed excitement for the possibility of continuing to work with the quarterback and friend who’s become his mentor.
“Having had three years behind him, I really think it’s been the best thing for my career and if it turns out I have another year to learn from him, it’s only going to make me that much better,” Hill told Schefter.