Panthers: Kenny Vaccaro an intriguing option at safety
The Carolina Panthers could use a playmaker at safety and the former Saint is still on the market…
It is free agency season which means rumors and ideas to fill team needs are flying. Stephen Igoe of 247Sports wrote a piece detailing the remaining free agent safeties on the market that could help the Carolina Panthers. There were four safeties on the list and one of them in particular caught my eye. New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro was listed as a potential option, and he is certainly an interesting candidate.
"Injuries and a suspension for PEDs have slowed Vaccaro down in recent years, leading to nine missed games over the past two seasons. Vaccaro also struggled this past season after the Saints elected to move him to the slot to cover opposing receivers. If the Panthers were to pursue him, lining the 27-year-old up back at his old home of safety would make more sense. Is Vaccaro perfect as a defensive back? No. But if healthy, the 27-year-old can get back to his old ways and turn into an above average safety once again. He’s nabbed five interceptions the last two seasons."
Is the suspension for performance enhancing drugs a black mark on his career? Yes, it is. Is the fact that he has recently battled with injuries concerning? Yes, to some extent this is something to be mindful off. With those things in mind, I would still take a flyer on him. If the Panthers were to sign Vaccaro, they would have to sign him with a few things in mind.
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First, he would be a starter. Secondly, they would need to still focus on getting younger at the position and continue to focus on building through the draft. They have a plan in place and it would be wise for them to continue it. Vaccaro would be an effective “bridge player” At age 27, he is in the prime of his career. He can contribute for a number of years while the organization grooms their newest rookie.
Vaccaro recorded 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 12 games, all of which he started. As mentioned he was suspended for his use for PEDS in December. His suspension, four games in length, was a result of testing positive for Adderall, Even if he had a down year both on and off the field last year, there is no doubt that he can be an effective player. His best season came in 2015 as a member of the Saints. Recording 71 tackles and three sacks, he started in all 16 games as a strong safety.
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The talent is there, there is no doubt about that. Although Vaccaro may have had a rough season last year, he can still be an effective player. It would be a bit ironic if the Panthers signed him, given that the Saints signed Kurt Coleman in February. A safety swap would be an interesting twist to an already eventful offseason.