Arizona Cardinals: Taysom Hill would be exciting acquisition

The New Orleans Saints restricted free agent would be an intriguing new weapon for the Arizona Cardinals offensive attack

Two months from now, the Arizona Cardinals will be adding free agents to their 2020 roster. While most of their attention will likely revolve around the defense, the club’s offensive unit will also be addressed. There’s one particular individual that would bring both productivity and excitement to the Cards scoring attack if they manage to land him.

Taysom Hill, who has spent the past three years with the New Orleans Saints, may be the most versatile performer in the NFL. Although listed as a quarterback, the 6’2, 221 pounder has moonlighted as a wide receiver, running back, tight end, kick-returner and special teams gunner as well. Hill’s versatility prompted the New Orleans media to nickname him the “human Swiss Army knife”.

During Hill’s three campaigns as a professional, the 29-year old has found success on 6 of 13 pass attempts for 119 yards and an interception during the regular season. In two playoff appearances, Hill completed one of his two throws. That heave, a 50-yard bomb to wideout Deonte Harris, led to a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings on January 5th.

In 37 career contests (nine starts), Hill has carried the rock 64 times for 352 yards and three scores. As a pass-catcher, the Brigham Young University product has tallied 22 receptions for 238 yards and another six trips to the end zone. Hill has also averaged 24.0 yards on 15 kickoff returns during his time with the Saints.

That type of all-purpose ability would almost certainly be appealing to an offensive innovator like Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The possibilities for a player like Hill in the “Air Raid” system would appear to be endless. Would the Cardinals front office consider making such a move?

Acquiring Hill during the upcoming free agency signing period could be a bit tricky. New Orleans would have the right of first refusal, and it’s rumored that the Saints will place a second-round tender on the Idaho native. That price would seem to be a tad steep for a player who’s good at many positions, but not great at any one in particular.

Of course, Hill’s primary role with the Cards would be as a second-string signal-caller. It just so happens that Brett Hundley, Kyler Murray‘s backup in 2019, has an expiring contract. If he landed in the desert, Hill would serve as a replacement for Hundley, and also give Kingsbury a fun, new offensive toy to play with as well.