Buccaneers Release Former First-Round Pick After Benching Him

The Buccaneers have released former first-round draft pick cornerback Vernon Hargreaves.

Hargreaves, 24, was benched in the team’s Week 10 win over the Cardinals for a lack of hustle while pursuing Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella on the first play of the second half. The play was a gain of 55 yards.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told members of the media the decision was in the best interest of the team and they wished him continued success moving forward.

Hargreaves was selected by the Bucs with the 11th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.