March 10 (UPI) -- The Tennessee Titans released veteran safety Kenny Vaccaro to free up more salary-cap space ahead of free agency, the team announced Wednesday.
The move saves the Titans about $3.9 million in cap space this year.
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Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (R) has notched 610 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 44 passes defensed over eight NFL seasons. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo
Vaccaro initially signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Titans in 2018. He quickly became one of the team leaders, recording 58 total tackles, two sacks and an interception that season. During the 2019 playoffs, his fourth-quarter interception helped clinch the Titans' divisional-round win over the Baltimore Ravens.
The 30-year-old Vaccaro then signed a four-year, $26 million extension with the Titans in March 2019. According to Spotrac, he was due to have a $6.9 million cap hit for the Titans in 2021.
The New Orleans Saints selected Vaccaro with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Over his eight seasons in the league, he has notched 610 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 44 passes defensed.
Third-year defensive back Amani Hooker is now expected to enter the starting lineup alongside Kevin Byard. Tennessee also has Dane Cruikshank as depth at the safety position.
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The Titans also announced the release of cornerback Malcolm Butler on Wednesday. Butler's agent said Tuesday that his client was being released.
