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7 Cowboys Whose Jobs Aren’t Safe After Surviving Trade Deadline

In a season overflowing with disappointment, these seven Dallas Cowboys players still aren't safe despite surviving this year's NFL trade deadline.

By Devon Platana

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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6. Deuce Vaughn, RB

It didn't take long for Deuce Vaughn to become an afterthought in the Cowboys' offense.

With the running back room a mess, Dallas fans look to Vaughn as a potential candidate to step up. The ex-Kansas State RB had previously displayed potential during the NFL preseason, leaving time to tell if he could put things together in a meaningful context.

Instead of capitalizing on his limited opportunities, Vaughn has struggled to prove his worth. The 5-foot-6 runner is averaging an abysmal 2.9 yards on seven carries and has only hauled in two catches for 14 receiving yards. His role continues to shrink with each passing week, made evident by his not playing a single offensive snap since Week 4.

At this point, it's tough to imagine Vaughn turning his season around. While seeing him crack the Cowboys' roster was a feel-good story, it's becoming clearer that he just doesn't have what it takes to thrive in the NFL.

Barring a surprising turnaround, Vaughn likely doesn't have much more of a future in Big D.

7. Brandin Cooks, WR

Cowboys fans haven't seen much from Brandin Cooks this season. The veteran wide receiver hasn't suited up since the end of September after suffering a knee injury in Week 4. The ex-Oregon State playmaker was one of Dallas' most important players last season, recording 54 receptions for 657 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cooks' rehabilitation has been ramping up lately, but how he looks upon his return remains to be seen. The 31-year-old wideout struggled to produce before being sidelined as he only tallied nine catches, 91 receiving yards, and one score in his first four appearances. That just isn't the type of performance the Cowboys want to see from a WR carrying a $10 million cap hit this season.

In other words, it's going to take quite the second-half showing for Cooks to convince the Cowboys that he should be brought back in 2025. Although he's been one of the NFL's more underrated players throughout his career, it's evident that his best days are behind him and his time in the league could be nearing its end.

With the Cowboys' WR room desperately needing an overhaul outside of CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert, Cooks is likely playing in Dallas on borrowed time.

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