Taylor Rapp, a safety known for his contributions to the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl-winning defense, has made his way back to an NFL roster, rejoining the Denver Broncos' practice squad. This development occurs just days before the start of the regular season, marking a significant turn for the veteran player.
Rapp's journey to the Broncos' practice squad is a narrative of an unexpected turn of events. Initially, the Broncos had signed him in August, anticipating the addition of an experienced player to their safety lineup, which already included key figures like Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga. At the time of his initial signing, the team highlighted his impressive career statistics, including 72 starts, 12 interceptions, 31 passes defended, and 488 tackles, underscoring his value as a seasoned professional. However, just six days after this initial agreement, Rapp was surprisingly released, a move that puzzled many. Head coach Sean Payton later clarified that Rapp needed to attend to a personal matter, indicating that there was a high probability of his return. This reunion, albeit on the practice squad, fulfills Payton's hopeful prediction, providing Rapp an opportunity to once again contribute to an NFL team.
Prior to his recent re-entry into the Broncos' organization, Rapp's professional trajectory included a significant tenure with the Los Angeles Rams. Drafted 61st overall in 2019 out of Washington, Rapp quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the Rams' secondary. During his rookie season, he started 10 games, accumulating 100 tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown. By 2021, he had solidified his position as a full-time starter, playing a pivotal role in the Rams' championship season. That year, he started all 17 regular-season games, contributing 94 tackles, four interceptions, and 1.5 sacks, showcasing his versatility and impact on the field. The subsequent season saw him continue his consistent performance, starting 16 games and recording 92 tackles with two interceptions. Over his four years with the Rams, Rapp participated in 57 regular-season games, starting 48 of them, before his departure after the 2022 season. He then moved to the Buffalo Bills, where his final season was cut short by a lingering knee injury, leading to his placement on injured reserve in October 2025 and his eventual release in March.
With a Super Bowl ring and extensive starting experience under his belt, Rapp is now focused on extending his career. While his current position on the practice squad is a starting point, his proven track record offers the Broncos a valuable and experienced option to potentially elevate to the active roster as the season progresses, providing depth and veteran leadership to their defense.
