In Week 16, the New Orleans Saints played their final home game of the season, and they won. It was a dominant victory over the New York Jets, and many players stepped up with some of their best performances of the year.
For most players, their great performances may have been due to the opponent, but for some, it may have been for a more emotional reason.
Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill has had a very inconsistent season, but in this game against the Jets, he made history. Hill became the first player in the Super Bowl era to have 1,000 passing, receiving, and rushing yards in a career. He also delivered a performance that encapsulated his career with the Saints. He threw a touchdown, was a playmaker in the passing game, and led the Saints in rushing yards.
After the game, Hill was visibly emotional at the podium when speaking with the media, and that moment catalyzed fans to realize that this game might have been Hill’s last in New Orleans. The veteran gadget player will be turning 36 before next season, has an extensive injury history, and is out of contract after this season.
Cam Jordan
Last season, there was a point when Saints legend Cam Jordan may have been ready to leave the team to play for a contender. The coaching staff was really bad, especially defensive line coach Todd Grantham, who effectively reduced Jordan’s role on defense. A potential breakup with the Saints could have occurred, but instead, he stayed, and with a much better coaching staff, he has returned to his old ways.
Now that the Saints’ Week 16 game is complete, and Jordan had two sacks, the veteran Edge rusher currently has 8.5 sacks on the season. Jordan is no longer the player he used to be, but he can still make a significant impact on this defense, even with a massive scheme change under DC Brandon Staley.
Jordan will be out of contract after this season, and if a deal is not reached, the Saints legend may lean toward retirement.
Demario Davis
Out of the three players, Demario Davis is the least likely to retire, but it can still happen. The 36-year-old is still playing at such a high level that it doesn’t look like he will ever slow down. He is one of, if not the, best player on the Saints’ defense, makes winning plays every game, and is vital to the locker room.
Losing Davis would be catastrophic for the Saints, but he is also out of contract after this season. If he wants the best send-off, finishing at such a high level of play may be the best choice. Still, if the Saints have any say in the matter, it would not be shocking if New Orleans attempts to resign Davis this offseason.