Sean Payton to Meet Taysom Hill in Canton Regarding Potential Broncos Move

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton will gauge free agent Taysom Hill's interest in joining the team during a meeting scheduled for this weekend in Canton, Ohio.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced Monday he will meet with free agent Taysom Hill in five days to discuss the 35-year-old's interest in continuing his NFL career. The meeting is set to take place in Canton, Ohio, during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction festivities for former quarterback Drew Brees. Hill, who turns 36 later this month, hit the open market after nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints, a tenure that included five years playing under Payton.

During the 2025 season, Hill appeared in 13 games following a recovery from a December 2024 knee injury that initially placed him on the physically unable to perform list. His statistical output last year included 114 rushing yards on 52 carries, 11 receptions, and one passing touchdown. The veteran utility player has already visited Denver multiple times since his injury to receive follow-up care from Dr. Karim Meijer, the Broncos' head physician who performed Hill's knee surgery in 2024.

Versatility and Historic NFL Milestones

Hill enters free agency as one of only four players in NFL history to record at least 10 career touchdowns in three distinct categories: rushing, receiving, and passing. When he reached this benchmark in 2023, he became the first player to achieve the feat since Hall of Famer Frank Gifford in 1957. Payton originally acquired Hill in 2017 after the Saints claimed him off waivers from the Green Bay Packers, subsequently utilizing him as a versatile weapon across the offense.

Payton emphasized that he does not want to assume Hill's desire to play and cited the player's mental and physical health as primary factors in any potential signing. Hill recently confirmed via social media that returning to New Orleans is not an option, though he noted he does not yet have a clear answer regarding his professional future. The Broncos coach stated there is currently no hurry to finalize a deal, preferring to see where the veteran is at during their upcoming conversation.

Denver Roster Depth and Training Camp Competition

The Broncos enter this training camp with the highest roster retention rate in the league, returning 20 of 22 starters from their AFC Championship game appearance. The front office also secured 17 of their 21 scheduled free agents across unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights categories. Because roster spots are at a premium, Hill would be joining a highly stable depth chart if he chooses to sign with Denver.

Payton’s interest stems from years of building specific plays around Hill's unique skill set in New Orleans. While the Broncos coach acknowledged that Hill has done a lot of different things throughout his career, the immediate focus remains on the meeting this weekend. The discussion will serve as the initial step to determine if the veteran's multi-tasking abilities will be integrated into the Denver offense for the upcoming season.