Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Texans Release Pass Rusher Amid NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 3:44 PM ET

The Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers will cap off a thrilling weekend of NFL wild card playoff games when they square off at Acrisure Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night on ESPN. The winner will earn a road game against the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round on Sunday.

Hours before kickoff, the Texans made a roster move that could have lasting implications on the 2025 NFL playoffs regardless which team wins on "Monday Night Football."

Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle first reported that the Texans would release defensive end Darrell Taylor in order to free up a roster spot for rookie safety Jaylen Reed for the game against the Steelers. The Texans announced the moves Monday afternoon.

Houston Texans defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) watches the Carolina Panthers play against the Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Taylor, 28, was activated from injured reserve last week after recovering from an ankle injury that limited him to four games played this season.

Before that, Taylor racked up 24.5 sacks in his first four NFL seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears. He joined Houston on a one-year, $4.75 million contract this season.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed that the decision to release Taylor means he can be claimed on waivers by any other team in the NFL playoffs.

The #Texans are releasing pass-rusher Darrell Taylor, who just came off IR and is healthy now, sources say. He heads to waivers and can be claimed by a playoff team. pic.twitter.com/6T9UAPFSSp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2026

Proven sack artists are extremely valuable in the NFL, but he may have more worth away from a Texans team that already boasts one of the best pass rushing duos in the league this season: Danielle Hunter (15 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks).

Notably, his two former clubs are still in the Super Bowl hunt, and Chicago was immediately tabbed as a potential landing spot. Amid their injury woes, the San Francisco 49ers were also urged to take a look at the former second-round draft pick.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: