The Denver Broncos have fortified their secondary by signing veteran safety Taylor Rapp, according to multiple reports. The move comes as the franchise looks to shore up its defensive depth ahead of the upcoming NFL season, bringing in an experienced piece with extensive starting credentials.
To clear a spot for Rapp on the 53-man roster, the organization waived/injured linebacker Levelle Bailey, as reported by 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis. Bailey is set to revert to the season-ending injured reserve list after suffering a broken leg during a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
At 28 years old, Taylor Rapp arrives in Denver with a substantial professional resume. Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, the defensive back has appeared in 93 career games, earning 72 starts across seven NFL seasons with stints playing for both the Rams and the Buffalo Bills. Over that span, he has accumulated 488 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 12 interceptions, 31 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
Addressing Defensive Depth and Roster Impact
Last season, Rapp appeared in six games for Buffalo before a knee injury prematurely ended his campaign and landed him on injured reserve. Now healthy, he is expected to step into the third safety role previously occupied by PJ Locke.
During the offseason, the coaching staff opted not to bring in an external free agent for that specific role, instead letting younger roster hopefuls battle through training camp. However, with camp concluding and team evaluators wanting more proven insurance behind starting safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones, the front office pulled the trigger on adding Rapp.
Aside from All-Pro special teamer Devon Key, players like JL Skinner—who showed flashes in the preseason opener—Tycen Anderson, and seventh-round rookie Miles Scott now face heightened competition for remaining reserve spots or practice squad designations as roster cuts loom.
What Comes Next
The Broncos will continue evaluating their roster dynamics during their upcoming preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
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