Deuce Vaughn was picked up late in the 2023 NFL Draft and saw little to no playing time in his rookie season at running back – but the Dallas Cowboys are considering a switch
The Dallas Cowboys are mulling over a strategic shift for running back Deuce Vaughn to wide receiver, despite his challenges in his primary role.
Standing as the shortest player in the NFL at 5-foot-5, Vaughn entered the league with high expectations after being picked in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his rookie year saw minimal action on the field. With the departure of starting running back Tony Pollard via free agency, Vaughn might have anticipated more opportunities in his usual position, possibly even vying for the starting spot.
Yet, the team has redirected him to train as a slot receiver during the Cowboys’ OTA’s this month. Speaking to the team’s official website, he said: “It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year.
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“Talking with (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) just a little bit about getting with the slot. Just learning a little bit more about it.”
Drafted from Kansas State, Vaughn was notably called up by his father, a scout for the Cowboys. Despite the buzz around his draft, he managed only 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards throughout the season, struggling to secure a regular spot over teammates Pollard and Rico Dowdle.
With Pollard’s departure to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys have brought back Ezekiel Elliott from the New England Patriots – who is in the twilight of his career – indicating that Vaughn could be in line for the starting role. However, he’ll face competition from the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, KeVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert.
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Regardless, Vaughn will need the support of quarterback Dak Prescott to excel in the upcoming season – a player whose future with the team remains uncertain. Prescott, who is currently in the final year of his contract, has yet to be re-signed by the Cowboys.
The 30-year-old is reportedly seeking a contract that would surpass that of Jared Goff, who earns $53 million per year on a multi-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
While the Cowboys aim to secure their quarterback, they also need to conserve salary cap space to re-sign their star players on both sides of the ball – including Lamb at wide receiver, as well as pass-rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs.