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Tennessee Titans agree to terms with former Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro

By Matias Wodner

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 27: Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints returns a interception during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 27, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 49-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 27: Kenny Vaccaro #32 of the New Orleans Saints returns a interception during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 27, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Rams 49-21. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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The Tennessee Titans filled their safety void this morning by agreeing to terms with the top safety on the open market: Kenny Vaccaro.

Less than 24 hours after setting up visits with four free agent safeties, the Tennessee Titans wasted no time in signing a replacement for Johnathan Cyprien, who is officially out for the season with a torn ACL. The Titans’ choice to take over at Cyprien’s position is Kenny Vaccaro, who was arguably the top available player left in free agency.

According to Paul Kuharsky, Vaccaro will sign a one-year deal. The money is likely to be similar to current Houston Texans S Tyrann Mathieu’s contract, which is one year and $7M. By all accounts, many teams were inquiring about Vaccaro, so the Titans made their move quickly so as to not risk losing out on the former Texas standout.

An All-American in college, Vaccaro was drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Vaccaro played in 68 total games and recorded 386 total tackles, eight interceptions, four forced fumbles and 7.5 sacks. Vaccaro was used as a slot cornerback for much of the 2017 season, a position that doesn’t quite suit him, and he paid for it with a tough final season in New Orleans.

More versatile than a strong safety, Vaccaro can be used interchangeably within a secondary, which likely enticed head coach Mike Vrabel and DC Dean Pees to make him the choice for a defense that will be aggressive and complex. But with Logan Ryan manning the slot and Kevin Byard patrolling the secondary alongside him, Vaccaro will be able to play aggressively and with free reign within the box.

As for the other three safeties that were linked to the Titans, Mike Mitchell and Lardarius Webb worked out and might still be options. Eric Reid reportedly had multiple flight cancellations and couldn’t make it to his visit.

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