Cowboys Cut Candidate Trying Out at New Position to Stay With Team
By Jovan Alford
The Dallas Cowboys failed to address the running back position this offseason after Tony Pollard left in free agency to join a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
The Cowboys instead decided to bring back Ezekiel Elliott and sign Royce Freeman to join Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn in an intriguing running back room. Heading into this season, Dallas likely wants to see what Vaughn can do in training camp and the preseason after a quiet rookie season.
The former Kansas State running back had 80 scrimmage yards on 30 touches and four punt returns in seven games.
With the Cowboys having Elliott and Freeman, the idea of Vaughn making the 53-man roster will be tough, given the talent in front of him and his stature. Nonetheless, the second-year running back must do everything in his power to show the coaches that he can be a viable option for this team.
According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that the team is cross-training their young players, including Vaughn, who is getting snaps at wide receiver.
Mike McCarthy said the Cowboys are trying to cross train some young players such as Deuce Vaughn. He’s getting snaps at WR.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 31, 2024
At Kansas State, Vaughn showed he could be a solid pass catcher out of the backfield, posting 116 receptions for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns. In his final season with the Wildcats, the 5-foot-6 running back had 42 receptions for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys have a ton of talent at the receiver spot, so Vaughn might not make the roster as a wideout. However, if he can showcase his pass-catching skills in the preseason, along with special teams, Vaughn can lock his spot on the 53-man roster.
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