A forgotten man in New Orleans, Hill suffered a late-season torn ACL and will likely not be ready for the start of the season. Already, Moore conceded that “training camp would be ambitious” per NOLA’s Luke Johnson. Hill is entering his age-35 season and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Saints tampered down his workload when he does return to siphon snaps to younger players in what certainly appears to be a rebuilding season.

The Saints surprisingly have eight tight ends on the roster, so QBs Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler will still have an ample number of big-bodied targets to target. Mostly, this benefits No. 1 TE Juwan Johnson, who signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract this offseason. He should dominate first-team reps with the Nos. 2 and 3 tight ends sidelined. Both Hill (ACL) and Moreau (undisclosed) underwent surgery to correct their respective knee injuries. Holker was a fun 2024 undrafted free agent prospect, who led FBS tight ends in targets (105), receptions (64) and receiving yards (766) in 2023, clearly benefitting from facing soft competition at Colorado State.

We’re hearing the boys could be back in town. Kosmider describes Johnson as the “target who may make the most sense” for the Broncos and says Johnson could give the Broncos a “down-the-field element from the tight end position they haven’t had during Payton’s tenure.” Hill is listed more as another “player to watch,” but that seems to mostly be because we’re not sure if and when he’ll play in 2025 following a December ACL tear. Hill turns 35 in August and, though he’s under contract with the Saints, they’d save $10 million in cap space by making him a post-June 1 release. If you thought Payton was trying to prove a point with his earlier usage of Taysom, just wait until you see what happens next December.

The Saints have a new head coach in Kellen Moore and have to make some decisions to manage roster and cap space. Hill tore his ACL in December of 2024 and is likely out until part of the way through the 2025 season. New Orleans would save $10 million designating Hill as a post-June 1st cut for next season. The 34-year-old has been an all-round playmaker for the Saints in recent years, but between the the torn ACL, new offense with Moore, and cap savings, Hill may not be a Saint next season.