If the Dallas Cowboys didn't have concerns about their secondary before Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, they sure do now. Inexperience and injuries has depleted the Cowboys secondary so much so that it has become a major concern for the foreseeable future. Luckily, a solution could be within grasp that could come via trade with the New Orleans Saints for safety Kenny Vaccaro.
The New Orleans Saints have supposedly put their former first-round draft pick, Kenny Vaccaro, on the trade block. Vaccaro was the Saints 2013 first-round draft pick and was the 15th overall selection. He possesses Pro Bowl talent, but his inconsistencies on the field have held him back so far in his career.
Kenny Vaccaro could be just what the Dallas Cowboys need to solidify their secondary. He has a versatility to play strong or free safety, and has the ability to play out of the slot as well. The Cowboys love versatility in their secondary and Vaccaro certainly provides that.
Byron Jones is arguably the most talented defensive back the Cowboys have on the roster, but he has yet to take the next step in his development. The Cowboys other starting safety, Jeff Heath, is probably best suited to be a special teams ace and reserve safety, instead of a starter. Both Jones and Heath struggled in both coverage and tackling against the Broncos, which should be a huge concern.
There were just too many times Sunday afternoon where it looked as if both Byron Jones and Jeff Heath were playing soft or out of position. There were a number of circumstances where they could've made a play for a short gain, but failed to do so. This is a huge concern because the safety position is the last line of defense.
Now, the safety position wasn't the only secondary position that didn't perform at their best against the Broncos. The Cowboys cornerbacks gave up four passing touchdowns against the Broncos and are depleted at the moment because of injuries and inexperience. Something needs to be done in order to solidify the secondary for the Dallas Cowboys.
Taking all of that into consideration, Kenny Vaccaro would likely be an immediate upgrade at the safety position. I believe he would be an excellent pairing with Byron Jones and solidify the backend of the Cowboys defense. Vaccaro's addition would also allow Jones to play some CB if needed.
Of course, Vaccaro is currently playing under the fifth-year option for the New Orleans Saints. That means he is making $5,676,000 this year, which might be more than the Cowboys are willing to pay for a one-year rental. They could however work out a short-term extension to lessen his cap hit, but they would first have to work out a trade with the Saints.
All in all, I believe that Kenny Vaccaro could come in and help improve the secondary for the Dallas Cowboys if they are able to work out a trade with the New Orleans Saints. His versatility would allow defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to do things on the backend of the Cowboys defense he is not currently able to do.
