The Chicago Bears are preparing for their biggest test of the season with the Los Angeles Rams coming to town for the divisional round, and help may have unexpectedly become available up front.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the “Texans are releasing pass rusher Darrell Taylor, who just came off IR and is healthy now. He heads to waivers and can be claimed by a playoff team.”
For a Bears defense still searching for answers up front, the timing could not be more notable.
Texans’ decision creates playoff ripple effect
GettyChicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson
Houston’s move was driven by short term necessity. The Texans needed a roster spot to activate rookie safety Jaylen Reed for Monday night’s game, and the odd man out was a veteran defensive end Darrell Taylor on a one year deal who had been sidelined with an ankle injury since November.
The decision was by no means a reflection of the player’s resume. In fact, the 28 year old pass rusher has 24.5 career sacks, all accumulated across stints with Seattle and Chicago before signing with Houston this offseason. He was activated from injured reserve last week and is considered fully healthy.
Houston could afford the loss. The Texans already feature one of the NFL’s most productive edge duos in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. , who combined for 27 sacks during the regular season. For them, the move was about depth management. For other playoff teams, it may represent opportunity.
The Chicago Bears was immediately mentioned as a logical landing spot, and the reasons go beyond familiarity.
During Saturday night’s wild card win over Green Bay , the Bears struggled badly to generate pressure early. Jordan Love carved up the defense in the first half, building a 21-3 lead while enjoying a clean pocket. It wasn’t until defensive coordinator Dennis Allen dialed up extra rushers and schemed free lanes in the second half that Chicago flipped the script and mounted its comeback.
Adding a veteran pass rusher like Darrell Taylor, even in a rotational role, could help Chicago generate pressure.
Familiar fit, limited expectations
GettyBears QB Caleb Williams
Now Darrell Taylor wouldn’t be asked to save the Chicago Bears’ pass rush or step into a starting role. That isn’t the appeal. Chicago needs snaps, fresh legs, and someone capable of winning occasionally off the edge in obvious passing situations.
However, Chicago isn’t alone in monitoring the situation. San Francisco has also been mentioned as a potential suitor amid its own injury concerns, and any playoff team with edge depth questions could submit a claim.
Playoff runs are often decided by marginal gains. A third down pressure, a hurried throw, maybe a single sack at the right moment. The Texans’ roster move may not make headlines nationally, but for the Bears, it represents a low risk opportunity to address their biggest defensive concern just days before the divisional round.
Whether Chicago ultimately makes a claim or not, the message is clear… The Bears know pressure matters, and they may not be done adjusting before Sunday kicks off.
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