USATI

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The Patriots are adding a veteran presence to their defensive front as they prepare for the postseason. The team announced on Wednesday that they have signed defensive end Darrell Taylor to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Patriots released running back Elijah Mitchell from the practice squad.

The timing of the signing is particularly notable; Taylor joins New England just days after being released by the Houston Texans on Jan. 12—the very team the Patriots are scheduled to host in the upcoming AFC Divisional Round.

Taylor, 28, brings significant NFL experience and a track record of getting to the quarterback. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, he was originally a second-round pick (48th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

During his career, Taylor has established himself as a productive rotational pass rusher. His career highlights include:

Total Sacks: 24.5

Forced Fumbles: 8

Total Tackles: 118

Games Played: 69 (13 starts)

After three productive seasons in Seattle, Taylor was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2024 before signing with Houston as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason. His 2025 campaign with the Texans was hampered by injury, limiting him to just four games after a stint on injured reserve.

The addition of Taylor gives the Patriots a high-upside depth option on the edge. Given Taylor’s familiarity with Houston’s defensive schemes and personnel could also provide valuable “scout team” insight as New England prepares for Sunday’s playoff clash. Taylor could be elevated to the active roster for the game to boost the Patriots’ pass-rush rotation.

To make room for Taylor, the Patriots moved on from Elijah Mitchell. The 27-year-old running back joined the New England practice squad on Dec. 23 after a brief stint with Kansas City. Mitchell, a former standout for the San Francisco 49ers, has rushed for 1,523 yards and 9 touchdowns in his 28-game career.