Oakland Raiders: A few possible FA targets for the frugal-minded
By Kevin Saito
Kenny Vaccaro (S)
The start of the new league year can’t come fast enough, just so we can officially be rid of Reggie Nelson‘s contract and start washing the bad taste he left behind out of our mouths.
Of course, with Nelson’s highly-anticipated departure, that’s going to leave a void of veteran leadership on the back line of that Oakland defense.
Live Feed
FanSided
Karl Joseph, entering his third-year, has been solid in the defensive backfield, and last year’s seventh-round pick, Shalom Luani, has flashed some big play ability of his own. And then there’s last year’s second-round pick, Obi Melifonwu, who was on the field so infrequently in 2017, that nobody knows exactly what they have in him.
Suffice it to say, the Raiders will need some veteran help in the safeties room, and Kenny Vaccaro could step into that breach.
The former first-round pick (fifteenth overall) was deemed expendable by a Saints team looking to go younger (and cheaper). Thus, Vaccaro will be moving on from the only team he’s ever known.
Though, he does come with a little injury baggage of his own. Vaccaro has missed a combined nine games over the last two seasons – he’s been a rock solid performer otherwise.
In five seasons with New Orleans, Vaccaro has racked up 385 tackles (283 solo), 7.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries – with one returned for a touchdown – and has forced four other fumbles. He’s also defensed 29 passes, and has eight interceptions to his credit.
Next: Opening Move May Portend Bigger Things to Come
The sticking point with Vaccaro could be his price tag. He played for just under $6 million last season, and could be looking for a similar payday – if not more. But, his injury history could suppress his market a little bit, which would obviously, play into McKenzie’s favor.
He’d be reliable safety help. Somebody to help mentor Joseph, Luani, and Melifonwu. Even if it’s on a one-year “prove it” deal, adding Vaccaro’s voice to the safeties room could pay big dividends for this team.