Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn faces an uncertain future with the team after two underwhelming seasons, as the offseason has sent a clear signal about his standing. Unless Vaughn significantly impresses during training camp or injuries hit other running backs, his position on the Cowboys roster appears to be in jeopardy heading into 2025.
The Dallas Morning News highlighted Vaughn’s precarious situation following minicamp, noting he seems unlikely to fit into the Cowboys’ plans next year and may be nearing his last chance with the franchise.
Vaughn is fighting to get on the field,
wrote Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News on June 16.
Vaughn, if you remember, was the feel-good story of the 2023 draft when picked in the sixth round out of Kansas State. He’s played in 14 games since. His father is Chris Vaughn, the Cowboys’ assistant director of college scouting. You can debate whether the Cowboys did this as a favor to Chris, but Deuce hasn’t been given an easy road to earn roster spots. He’s also understanding of the critiques of that. In some ways you can compare it to Bronny James, LeBron James’ son whom the Lakers drafted in the second round last year.
Why the Bronny James Comparison to Vaughn Is Misleading
The analogy comparing Deuce Vaughn to Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, does not hold up under scrutiny. The comparison hinges on their family ties to influential sports executives, but the situations are fundamentally different.
Chris Vaughn, Deuce’s father and the Cowboys’ assistant director of college scouting, is well regarded in his role, yet he does not have decisive authority over the team’s draft choices. Conversely, LeBron James has had significant control over roster moves, draft picks, and coaching hires throughout his 22-year NBA career.
LeBron’s involvement extended to selecting Bronny in the 2024 NBA draft, despite Bronny’s modest freshman-year averages at USC. The disparity in influence between Chris Vaughn and LeBron James illustrates why comparing their sons’ careers and opportunities is not equivalent.
Deuce Vaughn’s College Success Contrasts with NFL Struggles
At Kansas State, Vaughn was one of the nation’s most explosive backs from 2020 through 2022. He amassed 4,854 total offensive yards and 43 touchdowns over three seasons, highlighted by 3,640 rushing yards that made him a standout performer on the college level.
The Cowboys drafted Vaughn late in the sixth round (211th overall) in 2023, despite concerns about his size—standing 5-foot-5 and weighing 179 pounds—and a measured 4.56-second 40-yard dash time. Through his first two NFL seasons, Vaughn has struggled to make an impact, with only 40 carries for 110 yards and no touchdowns recorded.
In recent months, the Cowboys have aggressively reshaped their running back room, signing veteran Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal and adding two rookies from the 2025 NFL draft: Jaydon Blue (fifth round, 149th overall) and Phil Mafah (seventh round, 239th overall).
Analyst Chad Reuter of NFL.com ranked Jaydon Blue as the top Day 3 draft pick potentially capable of earning starter snaps in 2025, further suggesting Vaughn’s spot may be at risk.
The Cowboys might begin the year with starting reps going to veteran back Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but Blue should have a chance to be the guy for the Blue-and-Silver by midseason,
Reuter noted on May 5.
The Texas product’s home run-hitting ability as a runner and receiver makes it imperative that he’s on the field.
Outlook: Vaughn Must Impress to Secure His Role with Dallas
The Cowboys’ recent acquisitions and draft strategy clearly indicate a priority on upgrading the running back position, placing increased pressure on Vaughn to showcase his value if he wants to remain with the team. With new competitors like Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah joining the mix, Vaughn faces a steep climb to earn meaningful playing time.
His past college success combined with limited NFL production puts him on the brink, where only a remarkable training camp effort or unforeseen injuries could extend his tenure with Dallas. The coming weeks will be critical for Vaughn as he fights to avoid being edged out amid a crowded and competitive backfield.