The NFL offseason is picking up speed now that the second half of May is here. After breezing through free agency, the 2025 NFL draft, and rookie minicamp, the Dallas Cowboys' attention has now shifted to the annual organized team activities (OTAs), which will begin on Monday.
The upcoming OTAs are one of the final stops before training camp begins, meaning the Cowboys' 53-man roster should become much clearer after the next few weeks. While some players' stocks will rise throughout the upcoming workouts, don't be surprised if a former offseason stud doesn't make it to the June portion of OTAs.
Cowboys Could Cut Ties With RB Deuce Vaughn Before June
Each year's OTAs present an opportunity for bubble players to step up. No one knows that better than Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn, who made some offseason workout waves after being drafted 212th overall by America's Team in 2023.
Despite only being 5-foot-6, Vaughn played bigger than his height upon arriving in Dallas. The former Kansas State product dazzled the Cowboys' coaching staff throughout rookie minicamp, OTAs, and training camp, resulting in his earning a 53-man roster spot in Year 1.
Unfortunately, Vaughn's offseason success has yet to translate to notable NFL numbers.
In 14 games without a start since the 2023 campaign, the 23-year-old runner has turned 40 carries into only 110 rushing yards (2.8 yards per attempt) while also converting 10 catches into an unremarkable 58 receiving yards. He's yet to find the back of the end zone and is coming off a 2024 performance that saw him finish with an underwhelming 59.0 Pro Football Focus offense grade.
Needless to say, Vaughn's spot on the Cowboys' roster was less than secure once Year 2 ended, and his outlook has become murkier since then. Not only did Dallas add experience to the RB depth chart by signing veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, but Jerry Jones & Co. also used a 2025 fifth-round pick on Texas' Jaydon Blue before drafting Clemson's Phil Mafah with Pick No. 239 in Round 7.
Between the aforementioned quartet's experience and upside, it's hard to imagine Vaughn beating out any of those names for a 53-man roster spot. His best path to stay in Dallas is likely to be on the practice squad, but even that's far from guaranteed if he experiences a slow start to OTAs.
According to Spotrac, the Cowboys would save $996,666 if they cut or trade Vaughn before June 1. Even though it'd be tough to see the former offseason darling go, a divorce will be necessary if he can't stand out above his backfield running mates once OTAs begin.