The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense is going to look a lot different in 2023 than it has in recent seasons. The biggest change will be at quarterback, where Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are battling things out to replace Tom Brady as the team’s starter. However, that isn’t the only position that has seen some changes.
The running back position will also feature some new faces this upcoming season. Veteran Leonard Fournette remains a free agent after the last three seasons in Tampa Bay. But, he may not be the only running back on the move this offseason.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn has been named a potential veteran cut candidate for the Buccaneers in the opinion of Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. It is hard to argue against it, as Vaughn looks to be facing an uphill battle not only for a role in this year’s backfield but a spot on the 53-man roster.
A 2020 third-round pick, there were some expectations for Vaughn to be an immediate contributor to the Buccaneers’ offense, especially on early downs. But, in three seasons, he has failed to make much of an impact.
In 37 games he has managed only 342 yards on 79 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Last season, the Buccaneer’s offensive line struggled and Vaughn averaged a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. He has caught only 12 passes for 79 yards as well, with one more score.
2022 third-round pick Rachaad White has passed him on the depth chart and is line to be the team’s featured back this season. Veteran Chase Edmonds was signed in free agency to be his backup and undrafted free agent Sean Tucker could factor into things as well. Tucker had a productive career collegiately with Syracuse but injury concerns knocked him out of the draft.
Releasing Vaughn would also save the Buccaneers $1.2 million. Given their limited salary cap space, as they have only $2.4 million available, every dollar counts. If they can not only open up a roster spot but save some money while doing it, general manager Jason Licht will think long and hard about pulling the trigger.
The only thing that could save Vaughn is that he has grown into a role on special teams, playing on nearly half of the team’s snaps the last two seasons there. But, as a barely part-time piece of the offense, that may not be enough for the Buccaneers to warrant keeping Vaughn around.
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