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Bucs release former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves

Posted at 10:26 AM, Nov 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-12 10:47:57-05

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released former first round pick Vernon Hargreaves III, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Hargreaves was taken #11 overall by the Bucs in the 2016 draft out of the University of Florida.

The cornerback was benched in Sunday's game against the Cardinals for what coach Bruce Arians called a lack of hustle, but later returned.

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Hargreaves was part of a secondary that allowed the most pass yards per game in the NFL at 298.9.

GM Jason Licht released the following statement on Hargreaves:

"After thoughtful consideration over the past few weeks, Coach Arians and I came to the conclusion that we needed to make this change. Decisions such as this are always difficult, but we felt it was in the best interest of our team to part ways with Vernon at this time and allow him to explore other opportunities. We are disappointed that it did not work out here for Vernon and we wish him continued success moving forward."

The Bucs will host the New Orleans Saints Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.