Saints: 3 best replacements for Drew Brees at starting quarterback

In the end, Payton’s love for Taysom Hill might outlive any name on the market. And with his new extension, it’s clear he’ll be given a fair shot to be their top guy and replacement for Brees.

He won’t be the only player with the chance to start on the roster.

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, Hill will agree to a new four-year, $140 million extension to free up the cap. That doesn’t mean that the 30-year-old will be getting all that money. Instead, Hill actually will earn $12.2 million that could expand based on his production.

Minutes after that deal was announced, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints now will turn their attention into bringing back Jameis Winston as well. One season after taking an incentive-based deal, his impact in the locker room has him vying as the long-term option.

There will be plays that are designed specifically for Hill under center. The same goes for Winston when looking to pass deep. Much like playing poker, the hot hand will start, but the other could be the ace in the hole.

Both Winston and Hill have earned Payton’s respect. Now, they’ll be in line to grab the starting nod for years to come.