When the Packers meet the Saints Sunday night in New Orleans, every time number 7 steps on the field for the home team, the visitors may kick themselves.
It’s the legend of Taysom Hill.
Back in 2017, the Packers signed a stocky quarterback from Brigham Young University who had to take part in the required missionary trip at the Mormon school, older than most rookies, turning 27 during that first training camp. The 6-2, 220 pounder was impressive from the get go. He looked better than incumbent back up quarterback Brett Hundley throughout camp and made some exciting plays when given his opportunity in pre-season games. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson were smitten, but torn. They didn’t feel like they could carry three quarterbacks on the final 53 man roster but wanted to keep Taysom. They released him on the final cut but crossed their fingers Hill would clear waivers in 24 hours and he could be brought back on to the team’s practice squad to continue his development.
But the New Orleans Saints had ideas of their own about Hill. Head Coach Sean Payton recalled this week how they plucked Hill away from the Packers and in no time at all, they had discovered a do-everything football player who quickly became a cult hero in the Big Easy.
Hill was lining up everywhere, as a wildcat quarterback, fullback, tight end, receiver. Saints quarterback Drew Brees marvels at just how versatile this former BYU Cougar has become, especially on special teams.
The Saints thought so highly on their find that they gave Hill a two year contract extension this past April worth a reported 21 million dollars with 16 million of that guaranteed. He is now the NFL’s second highest paid back-up quarterback and a player Green Bay’s current defensive coordinator Mike Pettine says is almost impossible to plan for.
It’s going to be very interesting to see how the Saints deploy Hill against the team that first recognized his unique skill set, but ultimately let the ultimate NFL weapon get away.
