Ke'Shawn Vaughn embracing fresh start with Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn took comments made by general manager Jason Licht this past spring to heart. 

"It means he believes in me," Vaughn told the JoeBucsFan website. "He still believes that I still should have opportunities, should get the opportunities. That’s him believing in me. Made me feel good. Made me feel like I am welcome here." 

Vaughn originally entered the NFL when Tampa Bay made him a third-round draft pick back in 2020, but his spot on the club's roster reportedly was in question as far back as June 2021. 

While it's thought Vaughn could be cut before September due to the fact he's entering training camp beneath multiple preferred options on the depth chart, Licht seemed to offer the 26-year-old a vote of confidence in April. 

"We really like Ke'Shawn," Licht told JoeBucsFan at that time. "We’ve always liked Ke'Shawn. I know he’s been with us for three years, but he really hasn’t gotten opportunities. When he has, he’s done some good things." 

Thus far, Vaughn has recorded just 79 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns across 37 career regular-season games. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show Tampa Bay ended the 2022 campaign dead last in the league with an average of 76.9 rushing yards per contest. 

Vaughn understands he has to prove his worth to the Buccaneers regardless of Licht's words. 

"I know things aren’t going to be handed to me," Vaughn acknowledged. "I still have to work for it." 

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales and running backs coach Skip Peete officially joined the Buccaneers in February and are still working to build trust with players such as Vaughn. Vaughn will attempt to impress those coaches beginning when Tampa Bay opens the preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 11.

"That’s what I am hoping for," he explained. "New offensive coordinator. New running backs coach. Fresh legs to run with. I want to take advantage of this offense."