The New Orleans Saints faithful woke up to a bombshell on Wednesday morning. In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL world, newly appointed head coach Kellen Moore declared that Taysom Hill will be the Saints’ new starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season.
In what many are calling a bold and unconventional move, Moore—known for his creative offensive mind—revealed his decision in a press conference at the team’s Metairie practice facility. Flanked by general manager Mickey Loomis and Taysom Hill himself, Moore laid out his rationale for what could be a franchise-defining shift.
A New Era Begins in New Orleans
When Kellen Moore accepted the job to lead the New Orleans Saints, it was clear that changes were coming. The 36-year-old former offensive coordinator, with stops in Dallas and Los Angeles, brought with him a reputation as one of the most innovative minds in football. But few could have predicted that his first major roster decision would involve elevating Hill—who has made a career as a do-everything Swiss army knife—back into the spotlight as the team’s QB1.
“Taysom has always been more than a gadget guy to me,” Moore said. “When I evaluated this roster, I saw a competitor, a leader, and a dynamic playmaker. He gives us the best chance to win.”
Hill, 34, has played in nearly every offensive position for the Saints since joining the team in 2017. From tight end to special teams gunner, from slot receiver to short-yardage bulldozer, and even as a hybrid quarterback, Hill’s role has been as versatile as it is unique. But never has the franchise handed him the full reins of the offense—for a full season—until now.
Derek Carr’s Future in Jeopardy?
The announcement immediately raised questions about Derek Carr, who was the starting quarterback for the Saints during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Carr, while statistically solid, failed to lift New Orleans into deep playoff contention during his tenure. His conservative playstyle often clashed with the team’s desire for more explosive offense.
Although Moore was careful to praise Carr’s leadership and contributions, his message was unmistakable.
“Derek’s a pro. He’s been nothing but supportive since I walked in the building. But this is about maximizing our offense, playing to our strengths, and shaking up the status quo,” Moore said.
Carr, who was notably absent from the press conference, released a brief statement through the team: “I support my teammates and will continue to work hard in whatever role the coaches ask of me.”
Sources within the organization suggest that Carr could be traded or designated a post-June 1 cut, which would save the Saints significant cap space in the 2025 season.
Why Taysom? Why Now?
Moore’s decision is grounded in both philosophy and necessity. The Saints’ offense had grown stale, predictable, and overly reliant on aging stars. Moore wants to inject unpredictability, speed, and optionality into the playbook. Taysom Hill offers all of that—and then some.
“You talk about a guy who can run a power option, execute a bootleg, hit a deep corner route, and line up as a blocker—all in the same series. That’s the edge we want,” Moore said.
Hill’s career passing numbers won’t blow anyone away: 2,287 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in limited action. But his rushing stats (2,045 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns) tell a more compelling story about his ability to threaten defenses in unconventional ways.
Moore is betting that, with a full offseason to prepare and an offense tailored to his unique skill set, Hill can break out in ways the NFL has never seen from a player of his profile.
Locker Room Reaction: Mixed, But Optimistic
Inside the Saints’ locker room, reactions reportedly range from stunned to cautiously optimistic.
“Honestly, nobody saw this coming,” one veteran offensive lineman said on condition of anonymity. “But if anyone can make it work, it’s Kellen and Taysom. The guy’s a beast. We believe in him.”
Star running back Alvin Kamara expressed support publicly: “Taysom’s one of the hardest working dudes I’ve ever played with. He’s got heart, he’s got grit, and he’s going to make defenses hurt.”
Tight end Juwan Johnson posted a now-viral message on X (formerly Twitter): “Let’s ride QB1 #TaysomTime.”
Hill himself remained humble during the press conference, thanking God, the organization, and his teammates for their belief in him.
“I never stopped preparing like a quarterback,” Hill said. “Every week, every practice, I treated it like I was one play away. Now that the opportunity is here, I’m going to pour everything I have into it.”
Scheme Details: What to Expect From Moore’s Offense
Expect a complete overhaul of the Saints’ offensive approach. Kellen Moore is known for tempo shifts, misdirection, and multi-look formations. With Hill under center, the possibilities become nearly endless.
Sources inside the Saints’ coaching staff hint at a heavy incorporation of RPOs (run-pass options), read-option plays, and QB-designed runs. But it won’t be all backyard football—Moore intends to develop Hill’s pocket presence and accuracy with rigorous film study and targeted training.
Don’t be surprised to see hybrid sets with Hill and Kamara in the backfield, multiple motion options, and even trick plays that utilize Hill’s familiarity with tight end duties. This isn’t just an offense with a running quarterback—it’s a true multi-layered attack.
What Does This Mean for the NFC South?
The NFC South has been a division in flux. With Tom Brady retired, Desmond Ridder struggling, and Carolina still rebuilding around young talent, the door is wide open for a team to seize control. The Saints are betting big that their creative gamble can pay off.
“Tampa’s got their formula, Carolina’s rebuilding, Atlanta’s hunting for consistency—we’re going for the throat,” one Saints assistant coach told local media. “This isn’t just a headline move. This is us saying we’re done being safe. We’re going bold.”
Analysts are split. Some believe Moore is taking a reckless risk with Hill as QB1, potentially torpedoing a roster still clinging to playoff ambitions. Others see it as a necessary disruption for a team stuck in the NFL’s middle class.
NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt called the move “absolutely nuts—in the best way possible.”
“You don’t hire Kellen Moore to play it safe. You hire him to challenge norms. And this? This is as spicy as it gets,” Brandt said on Good Morning Football.
Fan Reaction: Shock, Excitement, and Cautious Hope
Across social media, Saints fans expressed a mix of disbelief and intrigue. “What in the Mardi Gras is happening??” one fan posted on Facebook. “Taysom at QB again?? Thought we moved past this.”
Others were more excited. “LET’S GO #7!!! Always believed he never got a fair shot as QB,” one Instagram user posted. “Ride or die with Taysom.”
The #TaysomTime hashtag quickly trended in Louisiana, and the Saints’ team store saw a massive spike in Hill-related merchandise sales within hours of the announcement.
What’s Next?
The Saints head into OTAs with a totally different energy. With Moore’s offensive installation just beginning, Hill will get every first-team rep at quarterback. Carr’s status will be monitored closely, especially if trade rumors heat up.
Behind Hill on the depth chart are rookie project Austin Reed and veteran backup Jake Luton, though Moore did not rule out adding another signal-caller in free agency or via trade.
But for now, the message is loud and clear: Taysom Hill is the guy.
Whether the move turns the Saints into contenders or cautionary tales remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the 2025 New Orleans Saints will be must-watch TV.
Final Thoughts
In an NFL era increasingly driven by analytics, specialization, and structured roles, Kellen Moore and Taysom Hill are daring to be different. It’s a high-risk, high-reward gambit that challenges the notion of what a quarterback can and should be.
And for a Saints franchise that’s spent the post-Brees years searching for its identity, this bold move might just be the jolt it needs.