Broncos adding ex-Bills starter to bolster elite defense

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Broncos adding ex-Bills starter to bolster elite defense

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Josh Davis, ClutchPoints | Last updated Aug 20, 2026 12:13 PM ET

The Denver Broncos are adding veteran safety Taylor Rapp to bolster the depth of a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best last season. The 28-year-old defensive back brings extensive starting experience to a Broncos secondary headlined by 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, along with safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones. Rapp spent the past three seasons with the Buffalo Bills after beginning his career with the Los Angeles Rams.

CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz took to X, formerly Twitter, to share the news—the Broncos’ already elite secondary is getting an experienced new addition.

“The #Broncos are signing safety Taylor Rapp, sources tell @CBSSports.

Former 2019 second-round draft pick with 72 career starts, 488 career tackles and 12 career interceptions. Was a starter for the Bills last year prior to a season-ending injury.”

The #Broncos are signing safety Taylor Rapp, sources tell @CBSSports.

Former 2019 second-round draft pick with 72 career starts, 488 career tackles and 12 career interceptions. Was a starter for the Bills last year prior to a season-ending injury. pic.twitter.com/I6yLmKBJFa

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 20, 2026

Denver created an opening in its safety room when P.J. Locke joined the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. The Broncos initially evaluated Rapp during an August 12 workout before signing him eight days later.

The Bills released the veteran defensive back in March following an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. He started all six games he played and made 26 tackles before landing on injured reserve October 24 with a lingering knee issue. Rapp underwent surgery later that month and missed the remainder of the season.

The former Washington standout has appeared in 93 regular-season games since entering the league as the No. 61 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. His additional career production includes 31 pass deflections, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. Rapp also helped the Rams capture Super Bowl LVI.

Denver allowed only 18.3 points per game in 2025, the NFL’s third-lowest mark, while setting a franchise record with a league-leading 68 sacks. Rapp gives the Broncos another veteran option behind one of the NFL’s strongest defensive units.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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