The New England Patriots have made a strategic move to bolster their playoff roster by signing veteran edge rusher Darell Taylor to their practice squad, with the potential for him to be elevated for the upcoming AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Taylor, 28, brings a wealth of experience, having played five seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Texans. After signing a one-year, $4.75 million deal with Houston, he landed on injured reserve on November 5 due to an ankle injury but was activated the week before his release on Monday. The Texans needed to create roster space for safety Jaylen Reed, which led to Taylor’s departure just ahead of facing his former team.
Drafted in the second round in 2020, Taylor has shown promise in his NFL career, particularly during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2021, he achieved notable success with 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits, followed by a career-high of 9.5 sacks in 2022. This season, Taylor managed 5.5 sacks before moving to the Texans, where he played only four games, recording three tackles prior to his injury on November 2.
The Patriots currently have a strong edge rusher lineup, featuring starters Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, along with key backups Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder. The addition of Taylor not only reinforces their pass-rushing capabilities but may also provide valuable insights regarding the Texans, potentially giving the Patriots an edge as they prepare for their crucial playoff matchup.
This signing highlights the Patriots’ commitment to maximizing their potential in the playoffs and their ability to adapt quickly to roster changes. It’s a move that underscores the team’s strategy of leveraging experienced players for playoff success.