One of Tampa Bay’s bigger draft misses is gone after nearly 4 years.
The Bucs released running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn Friday and signed defensive tackle Deadrin Senat to the 53-man roster.
It was a necessary move after the team previously exercised all three of Senat’s gameday elevations. With injuries plaguing Vita Vea and now Will Gholston, having a capable defensive lineman became far more important than keeping a fourth running back. Senat, 29, has spent most of the last two seasons with the Bucs — he’s played in 14 total games, recording 18 total tackles, 2 for loss, as well as a sack.
Vaughn has been inactive for the past five weeks, last playing against Houston. He’s been completely ineffective in six games, tallying just 42 yards on 24 carries (1.7 yards per carry) to go along with 2 catches for 2 yards.
It tracks with his entire career to this point. Drafted in the third round out of Vanderbilt, Vaughn struggled to find any consistent playing time on offense, being active in just 43 games over the past three-plus seasons. The 26-year-old logged 103 carries for 384 yards (3.7 YPC) and two touchdowns, as well as 14 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Vaughn’s most newsworthy moment came during the preseason this year when he skipped practice without permission due to falling behind newly signed Chase Edmonds and undrafted free agent Sean Tucker on the depth chart. He received cracks at the No. 2 role behind Rachaad White once Edmonds got hurt, but he failed to take advantage.
A reunion could be possible, but it seems like a clean break might be what’s best for both sides at this point.