Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

How Cowboys rookie RB Deuce Vaughn steered Ezekiel Elliott to the Patriots

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 8/14/23

Did Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn push Ezekiel Elliott toward the New England Patriots?

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the former Cowboys RB is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $6M with New England. Yet it's a surprise he didn't re-sign with Dallas even though it released the three-time Pro Bowler in March.

The #Patriots are expected to sign former #Cowboys star RB Ezekiel Elliott to a 1-year deal worth up to $6M after his successful FA visit earlier in camp, per me and @TomPelissero. Some backfield help for NE and a new home for Zeke… who plans to rock his No. 15 from college. pic.twitter.com/LrdbpHp17h
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2023

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he hadn't "ruled out" a reunion with the league's former rushing leader during a recent appearance on KRLD-FM in Dallas. But the organization possibly changed its mind after Vaughn impressed throughout training camp and his strong preseason debut.

In a 28-23 loss against Jacksonville on Saturday, the sixth-round pick (No. 212 overall) out of Kansas State led Dallas in rushing with 50 yards on eight carries and scored a TD. After the defeat, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said his performance was a "great introduction to the NFL."

Watch out! @C_Vaughn22 is loose!#JAXvsDAL | : @CBS11 & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/MI1mxP050O
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 12, 2023

Despite questions about Vaughn's size (5-foot-5, 176 pounds) remaining, his elusiveness mirrors Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard. Since Pollard broke out last season—rushing for 1,007 yards in 16 games—Dallas probably wants another nimble back as a complement.

Elliott lost some agility in 2022, rushing for a career-low 876 yards on 231 carries in 15 games, meaning he no longer fits the scheme.

Also, the Cowboys didn't offer Elliott a pay cut before they released him, although he was reportedly willing to take one. The franchise not offering this option shows it felt retaining him was no longer a priority, and it could find a replacement in the draft.

Regardless, moving on could work out for both parties. The Cowboys can continue to develop Vaughn into a weapon that propels their offense. And Elliott can salvage his career in New England, forming a potent duo with RB Rhamondre Stevenson.

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