The Broncos have signed defensive tackle Phil Taylor, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Taylor was cut by Cleveland in September of last year but never hooked on with another club in the 2015 season. Now, he could be a potential fill-in for Malik Jackson if the Broncos defensive lineman leaves the team in free agency.
A first-round pick in 2011, Taylor was cut by the Browns at his request before the 2015 season when it became clear that Danny Shelton would be the club’s starting nose tackle. Taylor did not find an NFL home after that, though he did get glances from the Steelers, Ravens, and Vikings. In December, he worked out for Denver and he apparently made a good impression on the team.
Had he stayed in Cleveland for the season, Taylor would have earned $5.477MM in salary. Instead, he accepted a three-week injury settlement, which works out to a $966,529 payment. Fiscally, Taylor’s decision did not work out to his benefit.
Taylor, 28, was a starter on defense for Cleveland in 2013, but only played 555 defensive snaps, serving primarily as a run stopper. While he wasn’t a full-time player, Taylor’s performance against the run still placed him a solid 26th among 69 qualified defensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. He then played just 133 snaps in 2014 before being sidelined with a knee injury.
Taylor was the Browns’ last remaining player from the Julio Jones trade with the Falcons several years ago. After his release, the Browns had nothing to show for that deal.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
If he can stay healthy, he could be a good addition to the goal line front seven. The low-key, no risk signing worked a couple of years ago with Marvin Austin Jr., too.
Could represent depth after Antonio Smith’s likely departure if Taylor can stick on the team through camp. It would allow Vance Walker to potentially play more defensive end instead of nose, where he saw time last season. Low-risk moves have benefited the Broncos in recent years — Terrance Knighton, DRC, Brandon Marshall, etc.