Seattle, WA – Former San Francisco 49ers running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn has reportedly rejected a tryout invitation from the 49ers and is now pursuing a potential move to the Seattle Seahawks. This surprising decision has sparked speculation among fans, with many believing that Vaughn’s refusal to return to the 49ers could be a revenge move after his troubled tenure with the team.

Vaughn, who has had a tumultuous journey with the 49ers, was first signed by the team in August 2024 during training camp and preseason. However, despite being given a chance, Vaughn was released on August 26, 2024, just before the 53-man roster cuts. The decision was reportedly made in favor of young running backs like Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo, who were viewed as better fits for the team’s long-term strategy. Vaughn was then signed to the 49ers’ practice squad on August 29, 2024, where he played in three games, totaling just 4 yards on 2 carries.

After being released again on January 13, 2025, following the season, Vaughn returned to the 49ers for a second stint in August 2025. He signed a one-year contract, but again, his performance during the preseason was underwhelming, as he posted only 46 yards on 19 carries (an average of just 2.4 yards per carry), along with 2 receptions for 4 yards. As a result, he was released on August 25, 2025, and did not make the 53-man roster for the 2025 season.

Now, in 2026, Vaughn is a free agent with no team attached to his name. There have been no contract signings reported between 2025 and 2026, with many outlets, including RotoWire, suggesting that Vaughn’s best years may be behind him at the age of 28. His performance has notably declined, leading some to speculate that his time in the NFL may be limited.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn’s Bold Statement

In a recent interview, Vaughn opened up about his decision to reject the 49ers’ offer and his desire to join the Seahawks. “When I agreed to take a pay cut to stay in August, GM John Lynch told me I no longer fit into the team’s long-term strategy,” Vaughn explained. “Now, I want to go somewhere where my value is recognized appropriately. I’m looking for a fresh start, a place where I can contribute and show what I still have left in the tank.”

Vaughn’s words have sparked a flurry of speculation, with many fans believing that his decision to leave the 49ers and potentially join a divisional rival like the Seahawks could be seen as a form of payback. After being cut multiple times, Vaughn might view his potential move to Seattle as a chance to prove the 49ers were wrong to let him go.

Looking Ahead

While Vaughn’s future remains uncertain, his rejection of the 49ers’ tryout has certainly turned heads. The Seahawks, looking to bolster their backfield, could offer Vaughn the opportunity to join a new team and perhaps reignite his career. Whether he can still deliver at a high level remains to be seen, but if the Seahawks sign him, they would gain a motivated player eager to prove himself once again in the NFL.

For the 49ers, Vaughn’s departure and his comments underline the challenges the team faces in managing player expectations and keeping the right players for their system. Vaughn’s story is just one of many that highlight the cutthroat nature of NFL roster decisions, where business decisions sometimes outweigh player loyalty.

As the 2026 season nears, all eyes will be on whether Vaughn can turn his career around and whether the Seahawks are the right fit for his next chapter.