According to multiple reports, including ESPN’s lead NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos are signing veteran safety Taylor Rapp. To make room for Rapp on the roster, the Broncos have waived/injured linebacker Levelle Bailey, according to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis. He will revert to the season-ending IR list after suffering a broken leg in the game vs. the Falcons.
Taylor Rapp is only 28 years old and is a former 2nd-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He is an experienced safety with a ton of starting experience who has spent time with the Rams and previously with the Buffalo Bills, but will now join the Broncos‘ secondary.
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During his seven seasons in the NFL, Rapp has appeared in 93 games while starting in 72 of those games. Last season, he appeared in six games for the Buffalo Bills before a knee injury ended his season, and he was placed on the injured reserve. Throughout his career, Rapp has totaled 488 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 12 interceptions, 31 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
Rapp will bring some much-needed depth to their safety position and likely fill the third safety role that was previously held by PJ Locke last season. The Broncos did not bring anyone in to fill that role during the offseason and allowed their young safeties to compete for that job throughout camp. Well, with camp ending, the Broncos did not see enough from their young players and now turn to Rapp to be their third safety this upcoming season.
I really like this move because the safety depth was truly the Broncos’ only weakness on the roster. Their young linebackers appear to be stepping up, but the safety depth just never looked great. Now, Rapp adds depth, plenty of starting experience, and knowledge to that room and will provide insurance if anything were to happen to starting safeties Talanoa Hufanga or Brandon Jones.
Outside of All-Pro special teamer Devon Key, the rest of the Broncos’ safety depth is now on the hot seat. JL Skinner looked to have a good showing in the preseason opener, but could be on the outside looking in. Tycen Anderson was signed as a special teams ace, but has he shown enough to make the 53-man roster? Then you have 7th-round rookie Miles Scott, who could be heading to the practice squad. We will see how it shakes out and which of these players stand out during the Broncos’ second preseason game tomorrow night vs. the Green Bay Packers.
We’ll have more on this developing story soon.
