Kenny

Vaccaro

The Falcons have a need at safety after moving on from Keanu Neal. Jaylinn Hawkins and T.J. Green are currently the only returning options behind Erik Harris on their depth chart. Signing Vaccaro would give Atlanta a low-cost veteran that’s posted at least 80 tackles the last two seasons. 30-year-old Vaccaro played 2020 at a $4.25M base salary.

Vaccaro was a three-year starting strong safety for the Titans, but the reduced salary cap bit him here. His release only saves $3.9 million against the cap and comes with $3.0 million in dead money. Vaccaro, 30, can clean up in the run game but is unlikely to fetch much money in free agency this offseason. 2019 fourth-rounder Amani Hooker will be partially responsible for filling in. The Titans at least have stud free safety Kevin Byard.

Vaccaro did not appear on the injury report until Saturday, so there must be some COVID concern here. The Titans’ defense is undermanned at every level. Joining Vaccaro on the shelf are CB Adoree Jackson, RB Darrynton Evans, RB D’Onta Foreman and OLB Wyatt Ray.

Jadeveon Clowney (IR) and Adoree Jackson are also out. It’s poor timing with AFC contender Baltimore on the schedule. The Titans also have injuries on offense with LT Taylor Lewan (IR), LG Rodger Saffold, and WR Adam Humphries out.

He got $11.5 million guaranteed. Vaccaro parlayed a one-year, prove-it deal last offseason into this multi-year deal after solidifying the position across from All-Pro FS Kevin Byard with 58 tackles, one pick, and a pair of sacks. The Titans cut the cord on Johnathan Cyprien, committing to Vaccaro instead.

He was ruled out shortly after halftime. Kendrick Lewis will finish out the game at strong safety for Tennessee.

Vaccaro is expected to miss 2-4 weeks. The Titans are relatively healthy going into Week 5. Also inactive are LB Wesley Woodyard, OT Dennis Kelly, OL Aaron Stinnie, QB Austin Davis, DL Matt Dickerson, and RB Dalyn Dawkins.

Vaccaro suffered the injury during Sunday’s win over the Eagles and was spotted with his arm in a sling after the game. Kendrick Lewis should fill in the next few games.

Vaccaro picked up the injury at the end of the second quarter, and he emerged from halftime with his arm in a sling. Tennessee is also missing ILB Wesley Woodyard.

Vaccaro is the first 2013 first-round pick to sign his deal. The consensus No. 1 safety in the class, Vaccaro is a rangy and versatile free safety who is capable of playing deep or covering the slot. His addition to the Saints is expected to push incumbent FS Malcolm Jenkins to nickel back.