The Dallas Cowboys selected running back Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft. At the time, it was a praised move as he had ties to the organization since his father, Chris Vaughn, was the Cowboys assistant director of college scouting.
Despite that, Vaughn wasn't able to stick with the Cowboys for long, as he was released by the team in August 2025. He then joined the Denver Broncos practice squad, and his tenure there was extended. Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reported that Denver agreed to sign Vaughn to a futures deal.
This gives him a chance to head into the offseason with a chance to fight for a roster spot when workouts, minicamps, and training camp roll around.
Former Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn Signs Futures Deal with Broncos
Although Vaughn didn't get called up once to the active roster this season, the fact that Denver is bringing him back is a positive sign. They have Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and J.K. Dobbins all hitting free agency.
That leaves RJ Harvey as the only running back left on the roster, making the contract for Vaughn significant. The Broncos will make some moves in that room to fill things up, but there's plenty of opportunity for Vaughn to take advantage of.
During his time with the Cowboys, he wasn't able to produce much. In 14 career games, Vaughn had totaled 110 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards. He also provided Dallas with a special teams contributor, totaling 51 special teams snaps between 2023 and 2024.
There's still room for growth for sure, which is why the Cowboys decided to move on from him in favor of Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Miles Sanders, and Phil Mafah. That was a better decision for this team, with Williams leading the way, as Dallas finished the regular season ninth in rushing offense (125.6).
As for the Broncos, they were middle of the pack, finishing 15th in rushing offense (118.7). This ground attack took a nosedive once Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury. Before this injury, Denver averaged 128.6 rushing yards per game, but it plummeted to 100.3 rushing yards per game in the final eight weeks.
The lack of a rushing attack without Dobbins is something that needs improvement for Denver, and Denver knows that. In the postseason, Broncos running backs combined for just 93 rushing yards. That number makes it clear they need more production in the backfield, and Vaughn may be given a chance to carve out a role in 2026.
Vaughn must take full control of the chance that will be in front of him, but this was a great start for the 24-year-old's offseason, and Cowboys fans will patiently wait to see what he does next.