A Rival Hybrid Quarterback Could Be Minnesota's Bridge Solution

Suppose the Minnesota Vikings move on from Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. What would they do at quarterback?

Do they start second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy coming off a knee injury in Week 1? Or do you try to get yet another reclamation project to bridge McCarthy? That would give McCarthy, 22, another few weeks to learn from a veteran, whether that’s Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, or *gulp* Aaron Rodgers.

What if there is a way to make both happen — get a veteran quarterback in the facility but have McCarthy remain the Week 1 starter?

Taysom Hill could be the answer.

The New Orleans Saints can release Hill, potentially saving them $10 million in much-needed cap space if they let him go after the June 1 deadline.

The Green Bay Packers signed Hill as an undrafted rookie out of BYU. After the preseason, they released him in the final roster cuts, and the Saints picked him up the next day. He has spent the last eight seasons in New Orleans.

With the Saints, Hill was the Josh Metellus on the offensive side of the ball and special teams. He became a Swiss Army knife, playing any position they asked him to play.

New Orleans has listed Hill as either a quarterback or a tight end. However, he has played many more positions, including fullback and running back, and has lined up out wide.

In his second season, he completed the first pass of his career while playing on the punt team, a 10-yard strike on a fake. He also blocked a punt as a second-year player and served as the Saints’ primary kick returner. That blocked punt helped propel him to NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Hill’s tumultuous 2024 season ended early after suffering a torn ACL in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. During the season, he also suffered a chest injury in Week 2 and broken ribs in Week 4.

So far in his career, Hill has a 63.9% completion percentage, 2,369 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also has 437 carries for 2,437 yards, 33 rushing TDs, and six fumbles lost. Hill has 99 receptions for 943 yards and 11 receiving scores as a receiver.

With the rumors about Hill’s future with the Saints picking up steam, former linebacker Ben Leber said it could be “fun to see him in purple.”

The Vikings have another offseason of uncertainty at quarterback. Darnold and Jones could leave the team for different situations. Minnesota could franchise-tag Darnold, but a recent NFL poll predicted him to join the Las Vegas Raiders. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in Jones.

If Minnesota lets Darnold and Jones walk, that would leave McCarthy as the option for Week 1. Hill would be a veteran and a versatile weapon who can line up anywhere on offense. Hill could help with McCarthy’s development and mentor the 22-year-old QB as an on-field coach.

Signing Hill would also test the “QB whisperer” reputation that Kevin O'Connell built for himself. The 2024 Coach of the Year has already done an amazing job in his three seasons as head coach and has committed to maximizing quarterback potential. Having Hill brought into the building could give us a glimpse into O’Connell’s mindset. It could provide an interesting taste of what potential KOC could get from the veteran.

If the Saints cut ties with Hill this offseason, look for many teams interested in one of the league’s most versatile players. Hill is a weapon that any Vikings fan should want. Minnesota would be pairing him with a young QB and a coach who will get the most out of him, no matter where he lines up.