The Patriots' defensive performance in their Wild Card matchup with the Chargers was an unexpected highlight of their win. Although they have some star power on that side of the ball, they have been a mostly inconsistent group this season, primarily due to the number of injuries they suffered, so they needed to play at a high level in this game now that they were at their healthiest.
It is now expected they will maintain that level of productivity going into their next game against the Texans, and they'll certainly need it. And because of that, Mike Vrabel and Co. were still looking to add reinforcements to help them get the job done this week, and they just outsmarted Houston by signing one of their former players.
Defensive end Darrell Taylor suited up for the Texans in four games this season before they chose to move on. Adding more pass rushers to their practice squad and picking the brain of a recent player on their opponent's roster is a brilliant plan, which is why Taylor was signed on Wednesday morning.
The #Patriots are bringing in some pass-rush help, signing former #Texans DE Darrell Taylor to their practice squad with the strong possibility of elevating him for the playoffs. Taylor was waived by Houston this week. pic.twitter.com/EZ7aJMkClo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2026
His resume might not be the flashiest, but he's only a few seasons removed from a 9.5 sack year with the Seahawks, and if he can boost their defensive line in any way, this will look like an even more genius move.
The Patriots signing a former Texans player is a sneaky-good move before the divisional round
Taylor was a second-round pick by the Seahawks in 2020 and spent the first three years of his career in Seattle. He only started 13 games during that time, but was impressive when given the opportunity by recording 91 combined tackles, 22 for a loss, 34 quarterback hits, three passes defended, five forced fumbles, and 21.5 sacks.
His most productive season might have been back in 2022, but he's clearly shown he can be exactly the kind of player the Patriots need when given the chance.
Whether he will get one during his time in New England is difficult to say, especially since he will have to be elevated from the practice squad. However, his intel on the Texans is invaluable to the Patriots heading into their divisional-round matchup, and it's almost as much-needed as his on-field production.
Yet, at the same time, the fact that he is a second-round pick proves he has the talent, and at just 28 years old, the Patriots can give him a shot and an offseason to really prove himself and potentially become an integral part of their defensive identity moving forward.