Official: RSL signs Taylor Peay, Utah native, after Real Monarchs stint

Real Salt Lake just announced their second official signing of the day: Taylor Peay, a Salt Lake City native and a graduate of local school Brighton High, has been signed to a first-team contract.

Peay, a 26-year-old center back, signed with Real Monarchs in 2017, where he featured heavily in the team’s USL Shield-winning run.

"Taylor comes from a championship background with the Monarchs and Timbers. With that experience he has earned the opportunity with the first team to continue his growth as a player," Waibel said. "He was an important piece to the championship season for the Monarchs and he went above and beyond in his efforts to remain connected in the community and those are important qualities for us."

In exchange for Peay’s MLS rights, Real Salt Lake traded a 2018 MLS Draft third-round pick to Portland Timbers.

Portland Timbers initially drafted Peay in the second round of the 2014 MLS Draft. He played seven MLS matches with the Timbers during his three years at the team.

Peay will bolster Real Salt Lake’s defensive line with an ability to play anywhere in the back four. Where exactly he slots in first will be a topic of curious discussion.