The Tennessee Titans made their move to release safety Kenny Vaccaro official on Wednesday after three seasons with the team.
With his release, the Titans will shed $3.9 million in 2021, while carrying a dead-money hit of $3 million. Vaccaro is the third player to get released by Tennessee this offseason, along with cornerback Malcolm Butler and wide receiver Adam Humphries.
After originally getting signed in 2018 following an injury to Johnathan Cyprien, Vaccaro made up one half of an impressive safety tandem during his three seasons in Nashville, along with Kevin Byard.
Like the vast majority of the defense, Vaccaro didn’t play up to the standards we’ve come to expect last season, and with the Titans strapped for cash, he became a prime candidate to get cut.
With Vaccaro gone, the Titans will have to replace their former starting safety, but the good news is there is an in-house solution in 2019 fourth-round pick, Amani Hooker, who played well in limited action in 2020. Hooker’s cap hit will be a little over $1 million in 2021.
Shortly after the news broke of the Titans’ plan to release the veteran safety, Twitter wasn’t surprised and remembered him fondly, while fans of other teams are already looking for their squad to sign him.
Also, the #Titans defense STUNK OUT LOUD last year. Maybe a new direction and some fresh blood isn’t the worst idea?
— Mike Herndon (@MikeMiracles) March 10, 2021
Huge hit for #Titans' secondary toughness and attitude in less than a day with them letting go of Malcolm Butler and Kenny Vaccaro.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) March 10, 2021
I'll never forget that 2018 Training Camp when Johnathan Cyprien tore his ACL. Titans were in desperate need for a safety. There were a few veterans on the market, but only one that truly made sense: @kennyvaccaro. Stand up guy on and off the field.
— 2nd & Victory (@2ndandVictory) March 10, 2021
Made this tweet in 2019 for us wanting you back. Man, imma miss having you @kennyvaccaro . Best of luck with everything! pic.twitter.com/OcE6gVdy1p
— Off-Season | #Titans (@TitanSZN) March 10, 2021
Tough hit for the Titans secondary. Always MMCNB @kennyvaccaro @Mac_BZ
— ZacNCheez (@ZacNCheez) March 10, 2021
Will miss Malcolm Butler, will not miss Kenny Vaccaro
— geoff (@geoff5point0) March 10, 2021
Eagles could really use Malcolm Butler or Kenny Vaccaro fwiw. https://t.co/jQMBoFDaV6
— ChrisBrad22 (@cdb224) March 10, 2021
I've always liked Amani Hooker's potential as a box safety. With Kenny Vaccaro out, Hooker could end up a decent DB3 – he's definitely worth an add if he's on the FA wire in your #FFIDP dynasty leagues.
— Jason King (@good2bjking) March 10, 2021
@Titans why are you cutting @kennyvaccaro!!!! He’s been a staple in the secondary. Business is business, but the man is much more valuable than the $7M you’re saving. He’s a smart, veteran, ball hawk.
— Mike Monacelli (@Mike_Monacelli) March 10, 2021
@kennyvaccaro thank you for all you’ve done for Nashville, one of my favorite players on the team especially your story and your comeback from injury. 🖤
— Austin Wiser (@austinthetrik) March 10, 2021
I get the cap situation but damn @Titans not @kennyvaccaro !!!!
— Frank Bruno (@frankbruno80) March 10, 2021
