New Orleans Saints Safety Kenny Vaccaro Drawing Trade Interest
Safety Kenny Vaccaro has been a key member of the New Orleans Saints' defense since they selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft. However, recent reports have indicated that they may be ready to part ways with him this season as they look to address their defensive issues early this season.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora was the first to report that the Saints have been fielding offers for Vaccaro, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said multiple sources told him the team has been actively shopping the fifth-year pro around the league recently.
The rumors picked up steam when Saints head coach Sean Payton benched Vaccaro in the second half of their 36–20 loss to the New England Patriots this past Sunday. The strong safety had a hard time keeping Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in check before he was pulled out of the game in favor of second-year pro Vonn Bell.
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"I know Gronk had two catches on me, really great catches, and that was about it. That's all that really happened. The next thing I know, I'm sitting next to Coach Payton," Vaccaro said, via ESPN.
Vaccaro had admitted that the rumors were a distraction, but he said he managed to block it out to maintain his focus on the game at hand. He also noted that he wasn't really surprised to see his name appear in trade rumors.
"Any time the (general manager) gets a call, they're going to ask what are you willing to give? No player is indispensable except for quarterbacks and certain players around this league, so I understand it's a business. It doesn't bother me," Vaccaro said, via The Advocate.
Payton downplayed the rumor by saying that it's not unusual for teams to reach out to others if they are looking to fill a position of need early in the season. But after two losses, the Saints know they have to find a way to shake things up if they want to get into the win column, and trading Vaccaro is an option.
