Why was Darrell Taylor released by the Patriots?

Darrell Taylor was released from the Patriots' practice squad on Friday, January 23, 2026, after a tenure that lasted only one week.

How long did Darrell Taylor play for the Patriots?

Darrell Taylor's time with the New England Patriots was brief, as he was released from the practice squad just nine days after signing.

Which teams has Darrell Taylor played for besides the Patriots?

Before joining the Patriots, Darrell Taylor played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears.

Home / Sports / Darrell Taylor's Patriots Stint Ends Abruptly

Darrell Taylor's Patriots Stint Ends Abruptly

24 Jan

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Summary

Darrell Taylor was released by the Patriots from the practice squad.
His tenure lasted only one week, beginning and ending in January 2026.
Taylor previously played for the Seahawks and Bears before joining the Patriots.

Darrell Taylor's Patriots Stint Ends Abruptly

Veteran defensive end Darrell Taylor's time on the New England Patriots practice squad has concluded, just one week after his arrival. The team officially released Taylor from the practice squad on Friday, January 23, 2026, a decision signaled by head coach Mike Vrabel. Taylor had been signed to the practice squad prior to the AFC divisional round game.

Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft, Taylor has accumulated 126 tackles and 24.5 sacks over 69 career games. His previous NFL stops include the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears. An ankle injury had previously limited his playing time in the current season, leading to a stint on injured reserve in November 2025.

Taylor's release comes as the Patriots prepare for their AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos. The team also listed starting outside linebacker Harold Landry III as out for Sunday's game, with three other players questionable. The kickoff for the AFC Championship Game is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.