Patriots Release Pass Rusher Before Broncos Game

Mike Vrabel announced that the New England Patriots released defensive end Darrell Taylor ahead of their game against the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots signed Taylor to the practice squad on Jan. 14, ahead of their game against the Houston Texans. He signed with the Texans before the season, but only appeared in four games for the Texans.

He was the No. 48 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He missed his entire rookie season, and in three years with the Seahawks, he started 13 of 49 games. He had 21 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles and three passes defended. After that, he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2024 season. He had three sacks for the Bears.

Taylor was never elevated for a game, and ultimately ended his Patriots tenure without a snap in a game. With Harold Landry ruled out, the Patriots could have used some added pass rush this week, but they opted to release Taylor.

The Patriots’ defense has looked strong against the Los Angeles Chargers and Texans in their first two playoff games. They will face backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship.

Stidham has not thrown a pass all season, and the Patriots are heavy favorites to win the game. While, on paper, it looks like the Patriots’ defense is in for another great game, the team is not underestimating what Stidham can do.

Stidham is a former Patriots draft pick, and the team reportedly tried signing him in the offseason. The defense will need another great game to advance to the Super Bowl, but Taylor will not be a part of that.