What Free Agents Could Boost the Colts Defense?
By Philip Tor
Kenny Vaccaro – Safety
2017 team – New Orleans Saints
2017 stats – 3 INT , 7 passes defended (both career highs)
Last contract – $5,750,000 in a fifth year rookie option
Age – 27
Vaccaro is another interesting player that is still unsigned. Vaccaro has a number of ailments, including a torn groin muscle, and an injured wrist which ended his 2017 season after surgeries on both problems. Yet, it was reported that these injuries should not prevent teams from signing him, and he is back in football shape.
The former first rounder has had an up and down five year career. With the Saints, he was a valuable piece in their defense, starting at strong safety for a large portion of his time in New Orleans. Despite having a few issues on and off the field, he was able to put together five good seasons under Sean Payton.
Even facing these issues, Vaccaro is still ready to play football. He received offers from the Colts, Jets, and Dolphins early in the offseason according to YardBarker.com. He has offers on the table and it not really known as to why he is still a free agent. It could be injury setbacks, or just a holdout, but Vaccaro should find a team before the regular season. He still has some pop left, as you can see in the video above.
Projected starter at Strong Safety, Malik Hooker, and backup Clayton Geathers will both start camp on the PUP list. This would make a Vacarro a great signing for Ballard, and a great upgrade for the Colts as injuries continue to plague the secondary. The good news for the Colts is as the market shrinks and more time passes by, the price tag could shrink as well. Vaccaro would be a great insurance policy and a great veteran presence in the locker room for Frank Reich and the Colts.