The New England Patriots roster shakeup continued Monday afternoon.
Amid a series of trades involving rookies, the organization announced the release of veteran running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn.
Vaughn, 27, joined Foxboro's practice squad last December and was signed to a futures contract in January. The 5-foot-10, 221-pound product of Illinois and Vanderbilt was drafted into the NFL in the third round, 76th overall, in the 2020 draft. He played in 43 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season before clearing waivers. The Super Bowl LV champion's career has spanned 465 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns through 103 carries and 14 catches.
The signing of undrafted outside linebacker Jay Person was officially reported on Monday, while New England also signed running back Terrell Jennings, guard Ryan Johnson and defensive end Jotham Russell. also agreed. Each participated in rookie minicamp in Foxboro in a tryout format.
Jennings, 23, played at Florida A&M University and went undrafted in April. During his tenure with the Rattlers, he had 281 carries for 1,860 yards and 24 touchdowns in 44 games. Last fall, the 6-foot, 217-pounder totaled 704 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 attempts on the ground.
Johnson, 23, alternated between right guard and right tackle during his three years at Youngstown State. The 6-foot-2, 306-pound Duquesne transfer started all 13 games for the Penguins inside as a senior in 2023.
Russell, 20, will enter the NFL ranks as part of the International Player Pathway Program. The Australian rugby player, who transitions to defensive end, played for the Currumbin Eagles and Tweed Seagulls Under-21 teams. He was previously part of the Brisbane Broncos' development squad. The Patriots will exclude the 6-foot-4, 239-pound Russell from their 90-man roster.
Rookie minicamp began last week, and New England enrolled nine undrafted free agents and three picks from the 2024 draft class.