A former South Carolina football starter has returned to the NFL. Defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, who played for the Gamecocks from 2014-2017, participated in a tryout with the Washington Commanders at the start of training camp. According to his agent, Brett Tessler, Stallworth made a significant impression and signed a contract with the Commanders on Sunday morning.

Entering his seventh NFL season, Stallworth will join his eighth team with Washington. His previous teams include the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. He has also re-signed with some of these teams multiple times, suggesting he is valued in the locker room and performs his role effectively.

Stallworth last played in the NFL in 2022 with the Texans and the Chiefs. He is known for filling a crucial role that teams need, with his best performance coming in 2021 with the Colts. During that season, he was a key reserve on the defensive line, earning a starting role and setting career highs in solo tackles, total stops, sacks, tackles for loss, and passes deflected.

As a robust interior defensive player, Stallworth can help block running lanes and absorb double teams, allowing linebackers to make plays. He will add valuable depth to the Commanders’ defensive tackle positions and provide reliable performance when needed.

At South Carolina, Stallworth spent two years as a reserve before becoming a full-time starter, playing a crucial role in Will Muschamp’s first two Gamecock defenses. Linebackers such as Skai Moore, TJ Brunson, and Bryson Allen-Williams benefited greatly from his presence in the trenches. Known for his strong character and leadership, Stallworth’s qualities have likely contributed to his sustained NFL career.