A Tampa native, Houston Texans cornerback Vernon Hargreaves no longer earns paychecks from the team he grew up watching, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Once upon a time, the Bucs gave Hargreaves a chance to be the hometown hero, drafting him at No. 11 overall in 2016 out of Florida. After three years, a new coaching staff gave up on the highly touted cornerback that fell short of expectations.
Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians benched him after he allowed a 55-yard reception to Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver Andy Isabella. Shortly after, he released him.
“It was just a normal conversation,” Hargreaves told reporters Tuesday. “It wasn’t a big controversy. Things happen quick, and it’s nothing that I’m harping on.”
Hargreaves now calls Houston home. On Saturday, he will return to Tampa Bay to face the same Bucs. If he resents his hometown team, his words don’t say it.
“There’s no ill will. I’m not that type of person. It’s not no revenge game. That doesn’t exist,” Hargreaves said. “It’s just football. It’s going to be fun to play against them, and we’ll see how it goes on Saturday.”
Hargreaves has shifted roles, going from an outside corner in Tampa to a nickel one in Houston. In four games with the Texans, he has recorded 17 combined tackles and two pass deflections.
“He’s their nickel and he’s solid,” Arians said on Tuesday to Tampa Bay media.
Hargreaves’ former teammate quarterback Jameis Winston remains a fan of the now-Texan.
“I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Vern — played against the guy in college,” Winston said on Tuesday. “It’s going to be a huge game for him coming back to ‘Ray Jay.’ This is his hometown, so I know he’s excited. I know he’s going to play really good football on [Saturday].”
Now in Houston, Hargreaves is playing for his job. The Texans can cut his non-guaranteed $9.59 million fifth-year option after the season. Perhaps getting an interception on the NFL’s pick-leader in Winston (24) in his return will sway the Texans to pay him the pricey sum.
“He turns the ball over,” Hargreaves said. “That’s no secret. Hopefully, we can get our hands on some balls. And hopefully, we can come out with a win.”