Patriots Cut Former Super Bowl Champ to Free Up Roster Space for Training Camp

Among a series of transactions made by the New England Patriots on Monday, running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn was released by the team. Vaughn won Super Bowl LV with old friend Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Patriots News: New England Released RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn

In six games with the Bucs in 2023, Vaughn ran the ball 24 times for 52 yards before being released on Dec. 15. He was signed to New England's practice squad on Dec. 19 and inked a reserve/future contract on Jan. 8. Vaughn did not appear in a game for the Patriots.

The 27-year-old was a third-round pick in 2020 out of Vanderbilt, but never quite lived up to expectations. Vaughn has only averaged 2.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons.

With Vaughn's departure, the current Patriots' running back room is comprised of Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMycal Hasty, Kevin Harris, and DeShaun Fenwick. In another move on Monday, the Patriots signed undrafted rookie running back Terrell Jennings. Jennings ran the ball 120 times for 674 yards and nine scores at FCS Florida A&M.

Stevenson, who missed five games last season, is widely expected to receive the lion's share of carries in 2024. Gibson should provide a receiving threat after signing with New England during free agency. The Patriots' backs will have to help replace the production of last season's leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliott, who moved onto the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.

In addition to the announcement of Vaughn's release and Jennings' signing, the Patriots signed four other rookies: RB Terrell Jennings, G Ryan Johnson, LB Jay Pearson, and DE Jotham Russell.

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