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Why Deuce Vaughn's Cowboys Future Is In Doubt

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 8:04 AM ET

When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn, it was the feel-good story of the year for the franchise.

His father, Chris Vaughn, who is a scout for the Cowboys, got to tell his son that he was going to be drafted by the franchise in the war room that sent emotions running wild.

But now, two years into his Cowboys career, Deuce is in danger of getting left behind and possibly having his time in Dallas come to an abrupt end.

If you are a Deuce fan, that's an emotional concept. But look at the roster setup ...

With the signings of Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, coupled with the running back that Dallas is expected to draft in either the first or second round, Deuce is being pushed further down the pecking order.

We have seen what he can bring to the offense with his burst and shiftiness on show at times as he squeezes through linemen before breaking out for a 10-15 yard gain.

But in two seasons and just 14 games (zero starts), Vaughn has just 110 yards from 40 attempts, and that doesn't paint Deuce in the best of light.

Now, we aren't saying Vaughn has no chance, and there is every reason to think that under Schottenheimer and offensive line coach Conor Riley, who coached Deuce at Kansas State, that we see that Kansas State version of Vaughn in 2025.

But the other question we have is will he get a chance? With say Omarion Hampton, Williams, and Sanders as the top three backs, Deuce will once again be relegated to special teams snaps, and even that isn't a guarantee.

So it is looming as a defining offseason in more ways than one for Deuce, as the threat of going from a feel-good story to just "another" NFL story has never felt more real.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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