ACQUIRED: Signed by Roughriders in February 2026.

YEARS WITH ROUGHRIDERS: 1

YEARS IN CFL: 6

2026: Signed by Roughriders, Feb. 10.

CFL: Vaughters played in 17 games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2025, recording 36 defensive tackles (including four for a loss), eight special teams tackles, six sacks, one pass knockdown and two fumble recoveries — one of which he returned for a touchdown in Week 8 against Toronto. He also suited up for the East Semi-Final, adding one defensive tackle. Prior to his time in Winnipeg, Vaughters had two stints with the Calgary Stampeders (2017-18, 2023-24). Over 57 games, he tallied 97 defensive tackles, 21 sacks and three forced fumbles. He won a Grey Cup with the Stamps in 2018.

NFL: Vaughters signed with the Chicago Bears in January 2019 and appeared in 17 games over two seasons. He later joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, playing 10 games. In 27 NFL appearances, he registered 33 tackles (including two for a loss), six quarterback hits, three sacks and one forced fumble. Previously, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2015 and also had a look from the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers in 2016.

COLLEGE: Vaughters played four seasons (2011-14) at Stanford, appearing in 51 games and totalling 125 tackles (22 for a loss), 13 sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

FAST FACT: Vaughters’ first NFL sack felled Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady on Oct. 8, 2020 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

MEDIA

• Feb. 10, 2026: Riders add proven pass rusher James Vaughters