The New England Patriots are making a strategic move to strengthen their defense just before a crucial playoff game. They have signed veteran edge rusher Darrell Taylor to their practice squad. This decision comes with a high likelihood that Taylor will be elevated to the active roster for Sunday's AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. Interestingly, the Patriots made this move only days after the Texans released Taylor.
Details of Darrell Taylor's Recent Deal
Darrell Taylor, a 28-year-old defensive end, inked a one-year contract with the Houston Texans earlier in 2025. The deal was worth $4.75 million. However, his time with the Texans faced a setback when he landed on injured reserve on November 5 due to an ankle injury. The team activated him last week, but they waived him on Monday. This move cleared space for safety Jaylen Reed.
Darrell Taylor's NFL Career Journey
The Seattle Seahawks selected Darrell Taylor as the 48th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He missed his entire rookie season but showed significant promise in the following years.
Key Performances Over the Years
- In 2021, Taylor broke out with 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
- He achieved a career-best performance in 2022, recording 9.5 sacks.
- During the 2023 season, he added 5.5 more sacks to his tally.
In 2024, the Chicago Bears acquired Taylor via a trade. He contributed three sacks and nine quarterback hits throughout that season. This year with the Houston Texans, Taylor appeared in only four games before his injury. Since November 2, he managed three tackles but no sacks. Overall, Darrell Taylor has accumulated 24.5 career sacks, demonstrating his reliability as a pass rusher when he maintains good health.
New England Patriots' Defensive Strategy
The New England Patriots already boast a solid edge group. Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson serve as the primary starters. Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder offer quality backup options. By adding Darrell Taylor, head coach Jerod Mayo gains another experienced veteran to rotate into the lineup. This addition is particularly valuable against the Houston Texans' offense, which is led by quarterback CJ Stroud and known for stretching defenses.
Beyond his on-field skills, Taylor's recent stint with the Texans could provide the Patriots with valuable insights. He may share details about the Texans' offensive schemes and tendencies, giving New England a potential strategic edge.
Potential Impact on the Playoff Push
The New England Patriots will host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium for this critical playoff game. Signing Darrell Taylor reflects a calculated effort to deepen their defensive front for the postseason. If elevated to the active roster, Taylor's veteran presence could inject a spark into the Patriots' defense. His role would involve helping to contain CJ Stroud and protect any leads. For New England, bringing in a former opponent's pass rusher right before a rematch is both a bold and timely maneuver.
