NFL
Jan 14, 2026
Patriots Add Former Texans DE Darrell Taylor Ahead of Playoff Push
The New England Patriots have added former Texans defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad as they bolster depth ahead of the playoffs. Photo by: MyStateline
Patriots Add Darrell Taylor to Defensive Mix
The New England Patriots recently made a low-key but smart move before the end of the season, picking up defensive end Darrell Taylor after the Houston Texans let him go.
Taylor is joining the Patriots’ practice squad, which gives New England some extra help rushing the quarterback as they head toward the playoffs.
If you're a fan between 14 and 25, this is the kind of move you might not even notice until it becomes a big deal.
Who Is Darrell Taylor?
Taylor came into the league with people looking for him to cause problems for offenses as a pass rusher, and he's shown he can do that in a few places.
Career snapshot:
Category | Detail |
|---|---|
Position | Defensive End |
Former Teams | Seahawks, Texans |
Strength | Edge pressure |
Role | Rotational pass rusher |
Current Status | Patriots practice squad |
Even if Taylor hasn't found a permanent position, his experience with different defensive setups means he can be a helpful backup player later in the year.
Why the Patriots Made This Move Now
Timing is everything, especially late in the football season and during the playoffs. You need players who are:
Healthy and ready to rotate in
Able to step up if someone gets hurt
Adaptable to different game plans
New England's recent signing isn't about getting a star; it's about making sure they're covered if players get worn down or injured. It's just smart team management.
A simple front-office logic explains it:
Question: “What if we lose an edge defender?”
Answer: “Be ready before it happens.”
What Darrell Taylor Brings to New England
Taylor’s appeal isn’t about star power. It is about the situational usefulness.
His strengths include:
Taylor's quickness off the snap is impressive.
He's shown he can make plays from different spots on the field.
He can also be a valuable piece in specific defensive packages.
Given how the Patriots like players to have clear roles, Taylor projects as a pass-rush specialist rather than a player who's on the field every down.
From Texans Release to Patriots Opportunity
Taylor's release from Houston wasn't about how he played, but more about the team's roster choices.
Late in the NFL season, teams often move veterans around to get their playoff rosters just right.
For Taylor, the Patriots can give him:
A stable environment
Good defensive coaching
A track record of getting the most out of players
New England is known for making additions like this.
Practice Squad Doesn’t Mean Playoff Irrelevance
Just because a player is on the practice squad in January doesn't mean their season is over.
Practice squad players:
Can be moved up to the active roster for games.
Train with the team each week.
Can fill in right away if someone gets hurt.
In the past, some Patriots players who helped in the playoffs started January on the practice squad.
Why This Matters for the Patriots’ Defense
New England's defense depends on a few key things:
Having fresh pass rushers ready to go
Staying disciplined, not chaotic
Rotating players to keep everyone fresh
Adding Taylor means they keep these things even if their depth is tested due to injuries .
Against top quarterbacks, having one more good edge rusher can really change things on third down.
What This Means for Darrell Taylor
For Taylor, this signing is a straightforward chance to shine.
He’s got:
A shot at playing in the playoffs.
A scheme that rewards doing things right.
A good opportunity if other players get hurt.
These kinds of late-season moves can really change a player's career.
Why Young NFL Fans Should Care (14-25)
This story shows how the NFL works.
Not every player who makes a difference:
Was a top draft pick
Started every game
Got a lot of media attention
Some guys come in under the radar and still have a big impact.
Taylor's story reminds us that in the NFL, timing is as important as talent.
Final Takeaway
Darrell Taylor's move to the Patriots might not be big news, but playoff success isn't about flashy headlines.
It's about being prepared, having depth, and being ready to play.
New England didn't go after hype.
They added a safety net.
And when January rolls around, that's usually the smartest thing you can do.
