7 free-agent safeties the Vikings could sign in 2023
By Luke Parrish
Taylor Rapp
2022 Team: Los Angeles Rams
Taylor Rapp has been a consistent piece in a Rams defense that features some superstars around him. His contract has run out in Los Angeles, and that organization needs to figure out which direction they want to go moving forward. If he is not a priority free agent that they bring back, the Vikings would make sense.
Rapp is listed as a safety, but he is truly a defensive back. He has 48 starts under his belt over the past four seasons with nine interceptions, 23 pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries. He simply knows how to find the ball and make an impact wherever he lines up.
In those four seasons, Rapp has racked up 330 tackles and has recorded at least 90 tackles in each of the three seasons that he’s played more than nine games. A three-safety lineup featuring Rapp, Smith, and Cine would be a fun unit to watch next season before Rapp eventually replaces Smith in a two-safety look.
Rapp has some familiarity with Kevin O’Connell, so there is a connection there that means something. It would make sense to target players that feel comfortable in the new environment and can ease into their new role, which I think will be a point of emphasis next season.