With Harold Landry Banged Up, Could Darrell Taylor Be the Spark the Patriots Need?
The New England Patriots are gearing up for a high-stakes divisional round clash against the Houston Texans this Sunday, and with a trip to the AFC Championship on the line, every snap, every substitution, and every pass rush matters. That’s why all eyes should be on Darrell Taylor - the recently signed edge rusher and former Texan - as a potential X-factor in New England’s defensive rotation.
The Patriots have been managing injuries all week, and on Friday, linebacker Harold Landry III was the only player not spotted at practice. Head coach Matt Vrabel later confirmed that Landry is officially questionable for Sunday’s game, leaving a noticeable void on the edge. That opens the door for Taylor, who’s currently on the practice squad but, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, has a strong chance of being elevated to the active roster.
And if that happens, the Patriots should seriously consider giving him meaningful reps.
Why Taylor Makes Sense Right Now
Let’s start with Landry. Even when he’s been on the field recently, the production hasn’t quite matched the expectations.
In last week’s win over Los Angeles, he played 26 defensive snaps - 43% of the total - and finished with two tackles, one quarterback hit, and a single hurry. According to Pro Football Focus, his overall grade for the game was 57.3, with a pass-rush grade of just 51.0.
In short, he’s not playing at the level the Patriots need from a starting edge rusher in the postseason.
That’s where Darrell Taylor comes in.
Taylor’s 2025 season was shortened by an ankle injury, limiting him to just four games. But when healthy, he’s shown he can be disruptive.
Across his time with the Seahawks, Bears, and Texans, Taylor has put together a solid resume: 126 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 42 quarterback hits, 24.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. Those aren’t just filler stats - they’re the kind of numbers that show he knows how to get into the backfield and make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
The Patriots didn’t bring him in just for depth. They brought him in because they saw a potential contributor, especially in a postseason scenario where depth becomes a necessity, not a luxury.
Familiar Foe, Fresh Opportunity
There’s also a bit of added intrigue here. Taylor spent time with the Texans earlier this season, and while he wasn’t a regular starter, he was in the building long enough to know some tendencies. He won’t have the entire playbook memorized, but even a little insight can go a long way when you’re preparing for a playoff opponent.
“I would say, yeah, there’s stuff I can help (the Pats) out with, but there’s only so much they let me know over (in Houston),” Taylor said earlier this week. “I didn’t play like that anyway, but I made sure I paid attention... So, I feel like I can offer a lot for the Patriots to help us win this game.”
That mindset - part competitor, part student of the game - is exactly what the Patriots need right now. Taylor isn’t just coming in to fill snaps. He’s coming in with something to prove, and he’s doing it against a team that let him go.
Playoff Football Is About Matchups - and Momentum
In the playoffs, it’s not always the stars who make the biggest plays. Sometimes it’s the guys who step in when the lights are brightest and deliver just enough of a spark to tilt the momentum. With Landry potentially limited - or out altogether - Taylor could be that guy for New England.
He brings fresh legs, familiarity with the opponent, and a chip on his shoulder. That’s a compelling combination, especially for a defense that thrives on pressure and physicality.
The Patriots don’t need Taylor to be a game-wrecker. They just need him to win a few key downs, disrupt the pocket, and maybe force a hurried throw or two. In a game that could come down to a single possession, that might be all it takes.
So if Taylor gets the call on Sunday, don’t be surprised if he makes his presence felt. He’s got the tools, the motivation, and now - thanks to Landry’s injury - the opportunity. And in January football, opportunity is everything.