Bucs waive CB Vernon Hargreaves III

Former first-round pick was benched Sunday for a lack of hustle.

It's the end of an era for yet another high draft pick in Tampa Bay.

Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, once a top-15 selection, was waived by the team Tuesday.

The No. 11 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Hargreaves was a local product out of Tampa's Wharton High School, playing his college football in-state at Florida. The Bucs were hopeful his physical playing style and knack for making big plays would overcome his lack of ideal size and translate to the pro level, but it simply hasn't happened.

Injuries haven't helped, as Hargreaves has been in the tub as much as he's been on the club over his four seasons and change with the Bucs. Still, even at full strength, he's only shown flashes of his potential and lacked consistency.

Hargreaves' last straw appeared to come during Sunday's win against the Arizona Cardinals, when he was benched by head coach Bruce Arians for not hustling enough on a long reception.

Waiving Hargreaves voids his fifth-year option, which the Bucs had already picked up for the 2020 season. He finishes his career in Tampa Bay with 19 pass breakups and just two interceptions in 35 games.