Meet New Steelers LB James Vaughters

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Patrick Maina

The Steelers have signed linebacker James Vaughters. James will replace injured linebacker Tuzar Skipper. Tuzar, once a folk hero in these parts, recovered a fumble in Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks. Unfortunately, Skipper now heads to injured reserve and makes way for Vaughters.

James Vaughters entered the NFL in 2015, as an undrafted free agent. James stayed in the league for a short time before going to the CFL. His career started in Green bay on May 8th, 2015 and on October 3rd of the same year, he was released by the Packers with an injury settlement.

On January 21st, 2016, James signed a contract with the New England Patriots and was released on May 2nd, 2016. The San Diego Chargers signed James from August 15th to September 3rd, 2016. It's safe to say he's bounced around a bit.

In January 2019, James was signed as a reserve with the Chicago Bears, but he was released on September 12th. James returned to the practice squad on October 29th and was promoted to the active roster, and on November 2nd, he made his NFL debut in a match against Philadelphia Eagles. 

James appeared on nine plays and four defensive series, but returned to the practice squad after two weeks. James returned to the active 53-man roster on November 16th after Trey Burton went down.

In the 2020 season, James Vaughters recorded his first career sack in a 20-19 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On March 3rd, 2021, the Bears extended James Vaughters contract, but in August 2022, he was released by the Bears.