Keyshawn Johnson believes UFL WR Tyler Vaughns will secure second chance in NFL
Tyler Vaughns has been a strong performer in the spring leagues. In the 2023 XFL season, he had 31 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown. He helped the Arlington Renegades clinch the Dallas area's first-ever pro football title since the Cowboys' mid-1990s dynasty.
Harder times came in this UFL season, as the team finished dead last in the XFL Conference. But he was more prolific with 45 catches for 503 yards and three touchdowns.
Keyshawn Johnson believes such a reputation should make teams consider giving Vaughns another chance in the NFL. Speaking on "Undisputed," the former Super Bowl winner said:
"He's got all the other stuff, he just - there's something about his running style (that) doesn't allow him to separate ... I think he should move to inside and play in the slot but for some reason, he keeps playing on the outside. He'll get another opportunity in the National Football League for sure."
Assessing the best NFL fits for Tyler Vaughns after UFL exploits
Only two NFL teams have had Tyler Vaughns on the roster: the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers. Both those times, he was ditched without playing a proper game.
But with the Renegades bound for an early vacation, now is the time for certain teams to put out feelers for him.
First, the Steelers. Despite drafting Roman Wilson, they still desperately need support for George Pickens after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. It will also represent a vindication of sorts for their former practice player.
Another potential candidate is divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals, who may be in the middle of a massive positional overhaul. They already lost veteran Tyler Boyd to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Tee Higgins is still on the franchise tag and will be gone unless de facto GM Duke Tobin matches competing contract offers. That leaves Ja'Marr Chase short on help, which Vaughns can provide.
Among NFC teams, the Philadelphia Eagles should be considered the frontrunner. Erstwhile-WR3 Julio Jones may not look set to return, and the team's plans to insert DeVante Parker in that place collapsed when he retired in May.
There should also be interest from the Arizona Cardinals, who need more WR2 depth behind Zay Jones. They are poised to pivot toward two tight-end formations featuring burgeoning pass-catcher Trey McBride and rookie blocker Tip Reiman.