Broncos Release Taylor Rapp, Could Re-Sign S

Sean Payton, however, said (via 9News’ Mike Klis) a personal issue will lead Rapp off Denver’s roster. The team could circle back to the longtime starter, with Payton adding (via The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider) there is a “better than good” chance he returns. Rapp had been a free agent since the Bills cut him in March.

The Broncos had added Rapp on a one-year, $1.3MM deal with no guarantees. It stands to reason those terms — the veteran minimum for a player with Rapp’s service time — would await if/when the former Rams and Bills starter returns. The seven-year veteran is coming off a season derailed by a knee injury that required surgery. The Bills moved on, signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson to team with Cole Bishop this offseason.

Denver’s Rapp interest made sense due to P.J. Locke‘s Cowboys defection in free agency. Starters Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones remain in place, but an experience void exists behind them. All-Pro special-teamer Devon Key, 2023 sixth-round pick JL Skinner, rookie seventh-rounder Miles Scott and ST free agency pickup Tycen Anderson comprise the team’s safety room. Considering Payton’s comments about Rapp’s status, he could also make sense as a practice squad stash ahead of (or during) the season.

Sarell spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chargers, working mostly as a backup after joining the AFC West team as a UDFA in 2021. The Commanders signed Sarell in late March but released him Tuesday. Sarell has 515 career offensive snaps on his resume, working primarily at right guard and right tackle. He joins a Broncos team carrying Matt Peart, Frank Crum, fourth-round rookie Kage Casey and the recently re-signed Alex Palczewski as backup tackle options. Palczewski has made starts at both tackle and guard, while Casey — primarily a college tackle — has worked at guard with the Broncos.

The Broncos, who also waived wide receiver Kyre Duplessis, also have 2024 tackle draftee Nick Gargiulo on their active/PUP list. He would revert to the reserve/PUP list Sunday, sidelining him for at least four regular-season games. Gargiulo suffered an ACL tear in August 2025.