Grading the signing: Denver Broncos make an under-the-radar addition that could pay dividends down the road
The Denver Broncos already have one of, if not the best, defenses in the entirety of the National Football League, and it just got even better following a signing that won’t get a lot of traction, but could pay dividends.
The Denver Broncos are adding experienced depth to their secondary. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, the Broncos have agreed to sign former Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp. The 28-year-old defensive back brings starter-caliber experience to a Denver defense that already looks like one of the best units in the NFL.
Taylor Rapp’s NFL career at a glance
– 2019 2nd-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams – Super Bowl champion – 70+ career starts – 12 career interceptions, multiple sacks – Last 3 seasons spent with the Buffalo Bills
Rapp played the duration of his rookie contract with the Rams before spending the last three seasons in Buffalo. He’s a versatile piece who plays all over the back end of the defense, and at 28, he’s still in the prime of his career.
Why this signing makes sense for Denver
The Broncos already have their starting safeties locked in with Brandon Jones and Talanoa Hufanga. Rapp isn’t the guy who’s going to come in and play on top of the defense or run the alley as a starter. But that’s not the point of this signing.
Rapp is a veteran who has been around, been there, and done that. He should fit well into the Broncos’ culture and locker room. Denver is building what might arguably be the best defense in the NFL, and adding another key piece with Rapp’s resume only strengthens that case.
Grading the signing: A
I’m giving this one a solid A. Contract details haven’t been released yet, but the value proposition is clear: Denver is adding a player with starter-quality production over the course of his NFL career without breaking the bank. Given that Rapp remained unsigned as a free agent deep into the offseason, the Broncos are likely getting him at an affordable number.
All in all, this is a good deal for both sides. Rapp gets a home with a contending team, and the Broncos get proven depth at a position where experience matters. This is the kind of under-the-radar move that pays dividends when injuries hit or a matchup calls for an extra veteran presence in the secondary.
