Phil Taylor - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos Sign Billy Winn

July 31st, 2016 at 6:17pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Broncos have swapped out one former Brown for another, announcing today that they’ve signed defensive lineman Billy Winn and placed defensive tackle Phil Taylor on injured reserve.

Winn, 27, spent the first three years of his career in Cleveland before being traded to the Colts right before the 2015 campaign got underway. He didn’t play much of a role, appearing in 12 games but playing less than 400 snaps as a rotational defensive lineman. Winn piced up six tackles and two fumble recoveries, and graded out as the league’s No. 112 interior defender among 123 qualifiers, according to Pro Football Focus.

As Roster Resource shows, Denver didn’t acquire a veteran this offseason that can adequately make up for the loss of Malik Jackson, as Vance Walker and Jared Crick are thought to be the primary contenders for playing time at end. Neither option is particularly inspiring, meaning Winn could have the opportunity for playing time if he makes the roster and can beat out raw second-round pick Adam Gotsis.

Taylor, meanwhile, was signed by the Broncos in February after spending last season out of the NFL while dealing with knee injuries. Taylor suffered another knee ailment on Friday, tweets James Palmer of NFL.com, but the former first-round pick has been dealing with chronic knee pain for years. In four seasons with the Browns, Taylor started 42 contests, losing nearly two years to various injuries, including a torn pectoral.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Broncos To Sign Phil Taylor

February 22nd, 2016 at 4:21pm CST by Zachary Links

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.

Workout Notes: Bears, Broncos, Patriots

December 22nd, 2015 at 5:29pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Clubs continue to update their emergency lists as the season winds down, so let’s take a look at the latest workouts from around the league…

We’ve learned the names of half of the eight players the Broncos worked out today, as Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that in addition to the previously-reported Still, Denver tried out defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, linebacker Dekoda Watson, and defensive tackle Phil Taylor.
The Colts also tried out a couple of additional players, including kick returner Demarius Washington and defensive back Terell Floyd, tweets Wilson.
Looking for depth along their front seven, the Texans worked out linebackers Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo and Xzavier Dickson, per Wilson (Twitter link).

Earlier updates:

The Bears auditioned six players today, including running backs Vick Ballard and Alonzo Harris, receiver Chris Harper, and defensive linemen Davon Coleman, Euclid Cummings, and Keith Browner (Twitter links via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). The 25-year-old Ballard is the most notable name here, as he ran for more than 800 yards during his rookie season with the Colts before suffering a string of injuries.
Not to be outdone, the Broncos tried out eight players, including former Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still, per Field Yates of ESPN (Twitter link). Still, a former second-round pick, hasn’t played in 2015, but after announcing last month that his daughter’s cancer is in remission, he surely has many around the NFL rooting for him.
The Patriots brought in a pair of CFL defensive ends for workouts, auditioning Freddie Bishop and Cleyon Laing earlier today, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Vikings Notes: Taylor, Cummings, Newman

December 15th, 2015 at 6:41pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a look at the Vikings:

Former Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor is trying out with for the Vikings today, according to ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling (on Twitter). Taylor, a former first-round pick, hasn’t really been heard from since he auditioned for the Ravens in November. Taylor, 27, 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. Then, Taylor played just 133 snaps in 2014 before being sidelined with a knee injury.
The Vikings are also working out defensive lineman Euclid Cummings today, according to a source who spoke with Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN (on Twitter). Cummings most recently played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts.
After putting his toe in the water last week, Vikings veteran defensive back Terence Newman could be making a more permanent move to the safety position, Jason Gonzalez of the Star Tribune writes. Newman, 37, could be called upon to play safety if regular starters Harrison Smith (hamstring/knee) and Andrew Sendejo (knee) continue to miss time. At his advanced age, Newman would welcome a move to the less strenuous position. “I think [safety is] definitely easier,” Newman said comparing it to cornerback. “You don’t have to run backwards, shift your body backwards if some dude is running full speed forwards, so in that aspect it’s definitely easier.”

Ravens Work Out Phil Taylor

November 10th, 2015 at 8:05pm CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens gave former first-round pick Phil Taylor a tryout on Tuesday, a league source tells Mike Florio of PFT. A first-round pick in 2011, Taylor was cut by the Browns at his request before the season when it became clear that Danny Shelton would be the club’s starting nose tackle.

Since his release, Taylor has yet to find an NFL home, though he did get a glance from the Steelers back in early September. 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 has not worked out to his benefit.

Taylor, 27, 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. The 27-year-old 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 four years ago. After his release, the Browns had nothing to show for that deal. Now, in theory, the Browns could watch Taylor line up for the other side when the two division rivals face off on November 30th.

AFC Notes: Bills, P. Thomas, Browns, Ajayi

September 4th, 2015 at 8:57am CST by Luke Adams

Addressing a report that suggested he left several members of the Bills‘ front office and coaching staff out of the loop when he decided to cut Fred Jackson, general manager Doug Whaley said on Thursday night that he consulted several others before making the move official, writes Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News. According to Whaley, head coach Rex Ryan was with him when he informed Jackson of the decision.

“So he was in there with me when we told him together,” Whaley said. “Talked to the running backs coach (Anthony Lynn). So it wasn’t just me waking up one day and deciding, ‘Hey, I want to do this.'”

Whaley added multiple times that he informed Bills ownership of the move, which the original report didn’t dispute. For his part, Jackson suggested Whaley was behind the decision, adding that the GM “wasn’t honest with me the entire time that I’ve known him.”

Here’s more from across the AFC:

Having turned down a minimum-salary offer from the Texans last month, veteran running back Pierre Thomas is seeking a salary around $1.3MM or $1.4MM, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. It appears the Texans have moved on from Thomas, though perhaps Houston or another club could revisit the free agent back after Week 1.
According to Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap and ESPN’s Field Yates (Twitter links), the Browns won’t be on the hook for Phil Taylor‘s full $5.477MM salary after all, after releasing the defensive tackle. When he asked for his release, Taylor accepted a three-week injury settlement, which works out to a $966,529 payment.
As the Dolphins prepare to cut down their roster to 53 players, an injury to Jay Ajayi could complicate the team’s plans, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, who says the rookie running back cracked a rib on Thursday. Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post writes that Ajayi is expected to remain on Miami’s active roster.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wonders if the Steelers might part ways with one – or all – of the three players who received restricted free agent tenders from the club earlier this year — Pittsburgh could clear about $3.3MM in cap space by cutting fullback Will Johnson, cornerback Antwon Blake, and safety Robert Golden.

Steelers Not Interested In Phil Taylor

September 2nd, 2015 at 9:39pm CST by Zachary Links

9:39pm: The Steelers are not interested in signing Taylor, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets. The team feels that Taylor’s bad knee is in need of repair and will take too long to heal, according to a source.

5:23pm: Nose tackle Phil Taylor became a free agent on Tuesday but he might not be unemployed for long. The former Browns first round pick visited the Steelers on Wednesday, according to a source that spoke with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) hears that upwards of eight teams are expressing interest in the veteran.

Taylor, 27, actually asked to be released by the Browns after it became clear that Danny Shelton would be the club’s starting nose tackle. The Browns obliged and didn’t ask to reduce the money owed to him, even though he’s slated to earn a $5.477MM fully guaranteed salary.

In 2013, Taylor was a starter on defense for Cleveland, 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 (subscription required). The 27-year-old 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 four years ago. Now, the Browns have nothing to show for that deal.

Browns Release Phil Taylor

September 1st, 2015 at 3:20pm CST by Zachary Links

The Browns have made the surprising decision to release Phil Taylor as a part of today’s moves, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal tweets. Taylor, a former first-round draft pick, is coming off of two knee surgeries.

Taylor was set to enter his option year and his $5.477MM salary is fully guaranteed. Even if he’s not worth that kind of money to Cleveland, it seems likely that he will be able to find another NFL home. The Browns are set to install 2015 first-rounder Danny Shelton in the starting role and they’re hoping that another club will pick up a good portion of Taylor’s tab. Taylor was the Browns’ last remaining player from the Julio Jones trade with the Falcons four years ago. Now, the Browns have nothing to show for that deal.

In addition to Taylor, the Browns have waived nose tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, fullback Luke Lundy, and kicker Carey Spear, Ulrich tweets.

Browns Place Phil Taylor On Injured Reserve

November 14th, 2014 at 1:51pm CST by Luke Adams

1:51pm: The Browns have promoted linebacker Keith Pough from their practice squad to replace Taylor on the roster, tweets Cabot.

12:19pm: The Browns have placed defensive lineman Phil Taylor on injured reserve with a knee issue, head coach Mike Pettine confirmed today to reporters, including Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Twitter link). Taylor, who previously underwent a scope on his troublesome right knee, will undergo more surgery next week that’s unrelated to the initial procedure.

In 2013, Taylor was a starter on defense for Cleveland, 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 (subscription required). The 26-year-old played just 133 snaps this year before being sidelined with a knee injury, and Cleveland’s run defense has struggled in his absence — Football Outside ranks the unit 30th in DVOA.

The Browns exercised their fifth-year option on Taylor for 2015, so the former first-round pick is under contract with the team for a base salary of $5.477MM. That salary isn’t yet guaranteed, however, so if the team is concerned about Taylor’s recovery or his cap hit, he could be released this winter.

While Cleveland has yet to announce a corresponding roster move, a practice squad promotion for Sunday’s game could happen later today or tomorrow.

Browns Pick Up 2015 Option On Phil Taylor

May 2nd, 2014 at 10:33am CST by Luke Adams

The Browns have exercised their fifth-year option on defensive tackle Phil Taylor, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter). The move ensures that Taylor will remain under contract with the club through the 2015 season.

As our fifth-year option tracker shows, Taylor’s 2015 option is one of the least expensive of the bunch, at just $5.477MM. Still, it was no sure thing that the Browns would pick it up, considering there were questions about whether the team’s new head coach (Mike Pettine) and defensive coordinator (Jim O’Neal) would see the 26-year-old as an ideal fit. Taylor also hasn’t had quite the same impact as some of his fellow 2011 first-rounders.

In 2013, Taylor was a starter on defense for Cleveland, 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 (subscription required).

With Taylor’s option now resolved, the two notable decisions that remain up in the air belong to the 49ers (Aldon Smith) and Vikings (Christian Ponder).