Kenny Vaccaro's Contract Option Reportedly Picked Up by Saints

The New Orleans Saints exercised the fifth-year contract option on safety Kenny Vaccaro on Tuesday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com broke down the potential compensation:

"The option is guaranteed against injury only, so the Saints can opt to move on from Vaccaro before it goes into effect if they change their minds and he’s healthy," Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk wrote.

Vaccaro will now be under contract with the Saints through the 2017 season. He's the first player from the 2013 draft to have his fifth-year option picked up, per Breer.

Vaccaro, 25, appeared in all 16 games for the Saints last season, and he registered 104 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. While he's struggled with consistency at times, he's been a durable option who plays well closer to the line of scrimmage and has made himself a crucial part of the team's defense.

If the Saints see a long-term future for Vaccaro in New Orleans—and he appears to be on the cusp of being a great strong safety—his fifth-year option gives the team even more time to negotiate a long-term contract extension, which would likely lower his cap hit and keep him in New Orleans for the foreseeable future.

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