The Titans are shoring up their defense ahead of the season’s first genuine weeks. Tennessee is looking to build on a season that saw them make the playoffs, and even capture a comeback victory against the Chiefs on the road.
Their defense seemingly took a hit when safety Johnathan Cyprien went down with an injury but this signing, long in the works, should help mitigate the setback.
Sources: The #Titans are filling their safety void by signing former #Saints FA Kenny Vaccaro. A big addition in August following S Johnathan Cyprien being placed on Injured Reserve. Vaccaro was impressive in the workout, helping him be the choice over several others.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2018
Kenny Vaccaro is a 27-year-old safety who has played his entire career for the New Orleans Saints. He has eight career interceptions and has never started under 11 games in a season. He is a strong safety who can hopefully fill the void until Cyprien returns.
The safety market has dried up even further with this signing. Vaccaro was able to win this job with a strong showing at camp, but the Titans also thought about bringing in Eric Reid. Many think the only reason Reid is even available is due to his history of protest in the NFL.
#Titans planned to bring in S Eric Reid, but multiple flight cancellations kept him from coming in. When interest picked up from others in Kenny Vaccaro, Tennessee felt they needed to move to keep from losing him. They had good talks with Reid & he remains an option down the road
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2018
Vaccaro is fine depth, but Reid would have been a much higher upside pickup. He would have been the starting safety, even over Cyprien. Unfortunately, the NFL still can’t coordinate an attitude, so the talented Reid might be left without a team at the start of this season.
