Kurt Coleman signing likely means end of Vaccaro in New Orleans
A young star may have burned out in New Orleans with the arrival of Kurt Coleman
Life hasn’t been fantastic for New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro since he took the league by storm. Despite eye-popping stats since being drafted in 2013 Vaccaro’s injuries have begun to pile up on him. New Orleans has sat Vaccaro out of nine games in the last two seasons, and will likely pass on re-signing him this offseason in free agency.
Vaccaro’s chances of returning to New Orleans diminished even more during the NFL Scouting Combine. Veteran safety Kurt Coleman was informed of his release by the Carolina Panthers, who will pay him $2.5 million to play against them this year.
Drafted in the seventh round by Philadelphia in 2010 out of Ohio State Coleman has been a strong contributor in the run game. ProFootballFocus has Coleman tied as the 33rd best tackling safety in the league and 30th in stops last season.
Coleman now finds himself in New Orleans with a new three-year contract, pairing him with second round picks Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams. He also eliminates the probability New Orleans brings back Vaccaro, even on a short-term deal.
In 68 games Vaccaro has 29 pass deflections, eight interceptions, and 283 career total tackles. He finds himself in a relatively deep free agent class of safeties which includes Morgan Burnett, Tre Boston, LaMarcus Joyner, T.J. Ward, and Reggie Nelson.
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Vaccaro could find himself a two year deal with a team looking to strike gold from the former Longhorn defensive back. New England, Tampa Bay, and Washington are potential matches for Vaccaro.