The New England Patriots are cutting ties with a veteran player a little more than one week after his tenure started with the team. New England announced that the team released the defender less than two weeks after signing the veteran before the Pats started their playoff run.
The decision came days before the Patriots take on the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.
New England released pass rusher Darrell Taylor a little more than one week after signing the defender. The Patriots previously signed Taylor on January 14, 2026, prior to the team’s divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans.
It just so happened that Taylor played four games for the Texans this season before being released and signed by the Patriots prior to the Houston-New England playoff matchup. Taylor has now been cut two times in less than one month.
Here’s what you need to know the latest Patriots news ahead of the team’s AFC Championship contest against the Broncos.
Ex-Patriots Pass Rusher Darrell Taylor Was Selected by the Seahawks in the 2nd Round of the 2020 NFL Draft
Heading into the 2020 NFL draft, Taylor was a touted prospect following a standout college football career at Tennessee. The Seattle Seahawks selected Taylor in the second round with the No. 48 overall pick.
Taylor is best known for his time with the Seahawks. The pass rusher posted a career-high 9.5 sacks, 26 tackles, 13 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles in 16 appearances for Seattle in 2022. Since being traded by the Seahawks, Taylor has struggled to carve out a consistent role.
Patriots Revealed That Darrell Taylor Did Not Impress During His Week in New England
Despite his pedigree as former top prospect, it does not appear that Taylor was particularly impressive during his brief time in New England. NESN’s Keagan Stiefel relayed a question and answer exchange with Vrabel at a January 23, press conference which revealed Taylor’s release.
Question: “How has Darrell Taylor acclimated since being signed to the practice squad?”
Vrabel’s answer: “We released Darrell Taylor… so not very well.”
Drake Maye on Facing the Broncos on the Road: ‘Looking Forward to Possibly Celebrating on an Away Field’
As the Patriots head to Denver, the team is looking for the positives in playing away from Foxborough. Quarterback Drake Maye is already thinking about potentially celebrating at Empower Field at Mile High.
“I know it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Maye said of the AFC Championship, per NBC Boston. “They’ve got a great team. I’m looking forward to getting out there, looking forward to possibly celebrating on an away field would be pretty sweet.”
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on Jarrett Stidham: ‘He’s More Than Capable To Go Out There & Operate’
The Broncos sustained a challenging blow losing quarterback Bo Nix for the remainder of the season. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel does not make it sound like the team is taking their foot off the gas as the defense prepares to face backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
“Again, he’s got the snaps that he has – the 400 or so snaps that are in regular season action,” Vrabel said of Stidham during a January 21, media session. “And then they have a lot of snaps on what they want to do. So, we’ll have to be prepared for the plan and the things that they’ve shown.
“I’m sure there’ll be some things that they haven’t shown. He’s more than capable to go out there and operate. It’s why he’s a backup, and one that was coveted around the league.”
Patriots Abruptly Cut Ties With Former Highly Touted Vet Days Before Broncos Game