According to multiple reports, including 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos are signing, or re-signing, veteran safety Taylor Rapp to their practice squad. The Broncos did sign 17-players to their practice squad last week, so they will need to make a corresponding move to make room for Rapp on their roster.
Rapp originally signed with the Broncos late in training camp and was widely believed to be their third
safety this coming season. However, he was surprisingly released by the team a few days later, which was a surprise to fans and media, especially after the way Sean Payton and Vance Joseph spoke of him days before. Head Coach Sean Payton later cleared up the confusion and told reporters that Rapp had a personal issue come up and that he needed some time at home. He also added that there was a “better-than-good chance” that Rapp would return to the team when ready.
Well, Rapp worked out for the Broncos last week, and now he is signing, or re-signing, to the Broncos’ practice squad. I would imagine he will need a few weeks to get into shape before being ready to play, but he figures to be in the Broncos’ plans at safety at some point this season.
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 plenty of starting experience who has spent time with the Rams and previously with the Buffalo Bills.
During his seven seasons in the NFL, Rapp has appeared in 93 games and started 72 of them. 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.
For now, the Broncos will head into the season with JL Skinner, Devon Key, and Tycen Anderson as their depth players behind starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. When Rapp is ready, I would look for him to instantly become their top reserve off the bench and likely become their third safety.
