Loomis grants Taysom Hill crucial time to weigh his future. The Saints' versatile star's legacy hangs in the balance, a unique crossroads for player and franchise.
As of late January 2026, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads with their most versatile weapon. General Manager Mickey Loomis recently confirmed that he is giving Taysom Hill "some space" to decide his future. This move is as strategically sound and emotionally intelligent one. When a player is leaning on retirement, it becomes a big decision in their career, especially when it comes around when the contract is ending.
More Than a "Swiss Army Knife"
To call Taysom Hill a "gadget player" is a disservice. After nine seasons in New Orleans, Hill has achieved a wild statistical monument. He is the only player in the Super Bowl era to record over 1,000 yards passing, 1,000 yards rushing, and 1,000 yards receiving.
But for the Saints, Hill’s value isn't just in the box score but rather it’s in his identity. He survived the transition from the Sean Payton era, weathered a grueling ACL recovery in 2024, and returned to a rebuilding roster in 2025 under Kellen Moore to provide a veteran spark when the team needed it most considering his 2025 season was a quieter season compared to prior, largely due to the knee injury.
When Hill walked off the field after the regular-season finale against Atlanta battling yet another injury (shoulder), that Loomis deemed wasn't "significant" the emotion in the Superdome was heavy and carried a toll.
Why the "Space" Matters
Mickey Loomis’s decision to back off and let Hill breathe is a respectful stance in modern leadership. In a league where "what have you done for me lately?" is the mantra, Loomis is acknowledging that for a 35-year-old veteran who has given his body to the city, the decision to hang it up is an emotional one.
"It’s hard to have these conversations right after the end of the season," Loomis noted recently. "You want to let the emotion go out of it and not have them feel like they’re pressured."
By granting this space, Loomis is achieving three things:
- Preserving the Culture: The Saints have long prided themselves on being a "family" organization. Treating a legend like Hill with dignity sends a message to every young player in that locker room.
- Emotional Clarity: Retirement is a decision made in a temporary moment of exhaustion. Giving Hill a few weeks allows him to decide if the "itch" to play is still there once the bruises heal.
- Roster Flexibility: While the Saints are currently navigating a youth movement with promising talent like Tyler Shough, they know that a healthy, motivated Taysom Hill is a unicorn that no draft pick can easily replace.
The Looming Choice
The reality is that Hill is a pending free agent. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 after his current contract ends. Hill is on a 4-year, $40 million deal (signed in 2021) that voids in 2026, meaning he will likely hit the open market. He has a high 2025 cap hit of over $14 million, making him a potential candidate for a release or salary restructure.
He has made it clear that he doesn't want to play anywhere else. If he returns, it’s likely for one last ride in Black and Gold. If he retires, he walks away as one of the most unique icons in NFL history.
In an era where front offices are often criticized for being heartless, Mickey Loomis is proving that you can manage a cap and a culture at the same time. By giving Taysom Hill the space to choose his next step in career exit form, the Saints are ensuring that however this journey ends Hill, it ends with the respect it deserves.