Sean Payton already has his Broncos version of Saints RB Alvin Kamara, but he just added Denver's own Darren Sproles

Deuce Vaughn was turning heads before arriving in the NFL

The dual-threat running back was dominant during his time at Kansas State. In 37 games, he rushed for more than 3,600 yards and 34 touchdowns while adding 116 receptions for 1,280 yards and nine more scores through the air. A two-time Consensus All-American, he wasn't going to let his size stop him from fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL.

The 212th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft wasted no time making an impact and forcing people to look his way in his early stages with the Cowboys. His speed, paired with his size, went viral on social media.

Due to his strong efforts in the preseason, Vaughn was on the team's 53-man roster in both 2023 and 2024. In two seasons with the Cowboys, he's been active for 14 games with 40 carries for 110 yards. Vaughn, with his size and explosiveness in the backfield, has been likened to Sproles — quite the compliment for the former sixth-round draft pick.

Sproles and Vaughn have worked together in the past, with the veteran running back mentoring Vaughn about his size in the NFL. Vaughn opened up about how impactful the veteran was and what was shared between the two during Vaughn's tenure with the Cowboys.

"Coming in and not wavering any confidence, even if you are the smallest guy in the locker room," Vaughn offered. "Whenever you're walking with the rookie class, they're head and shoulders above you, but just understanding that you are here for a reason and to just go to work and show everybody what you can do."

Deuce Vaughn is an exciting addition to the Broncos

Dallas Cowboys writer at A to Z Sports, Mauricio Rodriguez, shared his insights on Vaughn and what type of player he is. Everyone loves an underdog, and Vaughn is no different.

"Everyone wants to see Deuce Vaughn succeed because his height makes him an obvious underdog at the NFL level. And everyone loves an underdog. The problem he faced as a Cowboys player, however, is he isn't reliable in pass protection. Not only is his height troublesome but early in his career, he appeared lost as to where to go to (see: Patriots game in 2023). He should have improved over the last couple of years, but we haven't seen enough from him to know for sure. Additionally, Vaughn has been a limited contributor on special teams, which is always a challenge for an RB3 trying to make a roster. But his play-making ability is obvious. His cuts make him a dangerous running back, and he can make guys miss in the second level. If someone is going to make him work, it will be Sean Payton."

Vaughn was cut by the Cowboys and failed to make the Cowboys' 53-man roster in 2025, but Payton could be the beneficiary. While it's an already crowded running back room, Vaughn's addition is a welcome one. If Payton thinks he's got his Sproles and Kamara in Vaughn and Harvey, the ultimate winner is going to be the fans who get to watch them play.

For now, it's an excellent insurance option.