The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed defensive lineman James Vaughters to a one-year contract through the 2025 season on Friday.
James Vaughters is six foot two and weighs 260 pounds. The 31-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, made 32 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Calgary Stampeders in 2024. The Stampeders released him on January 27, 2025.
The Green Bay Packers signed Vaughters as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015. He also spent time with the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers. Vaughters made 10 tackles (7 solos, 3 assists) in seven preseason games.
The Calgary Stampeders signed Vaughters on July 25, 2016. In 2017, Vaughters made 26 tackles, six tackles on special teams, and six sacks in 17 games for Calgary. The following year, Vaughters made 24 tackles, two tackles on special teams, and five sacks in 16 games when the Stampeders won the 106th Grey Cup championship over the Ottawa Redblacks 27-16.
The Stampeders released Vaughters on January 2, 2019, and he signed with the Chicago Bears on January 7, 2019. He played two seasons making 25 tackles (18 solos, 7 assists), two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 17 games. The Bears released him on August 31, 2021. The Atlanta Falcons signed Vaughters on September 3, 2021.
In 2021, he made eight tackles (4 solos, 4 assists), and one sack in ten games. The Falcons released him on May 2, 2022, and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 15, 2022. In 2022, he made one tackle (1 assist) in two preseason games. The Steelers released him on August 30, 2022.
The Calgary Stampeders signed Vaughters on January 25, 2023. In 2023, he made 15 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles in six games.
Collegiately, Vaughters played four seasons at Stanford (2011-14) making 139 tackles (82 solos, 57 assists), 19 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 55 games for the Cardinal.
