The Dallas Cowboys are considering a strategic shift for running back Deuce Vaughn, moving him to the wide receiver position despite the challenges he has faced in his primary role.
Standing at 5-foot-5, Vaughn is the shortest player in the NFL and was picked in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with high expectations. However, his rookie year saw limited action. With the departure of starting running back Tony Pollard via free agency, Vaughn might have expected more opportunities in his usual position, potentially even competing for the starting spot.
Nevertheless, the team has decided to train him as a slot receiver during the Cowboys’ OTA’s this month. Vaughn commented to the team’s official website, “It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year. Talking with (offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer) just a little bit about getting with the slot. Just learning a little bit more about it.”
Drafted from Kansas State, Vaughn was notably called up by his father, a scout for the Cowboys. Despite the excitement around his draft, he managed only 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards throughout the season, struggling to secure a regular spot over teammates Pollard and Rico Dowdle.
With Pollard’s departure to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys have brought back Ezekiel Elliott from the New England Patriots, who is in the later stages of his career, suggesting Vaughn might be in line for the starting role. However, he’ll face competition from CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, KeVontae Turpin, and Jalen Tolbert.
Vaughn running routes as a wide receiver after being told to try out at the new position.
Vaughn running routes as a wide receiver after being told to try out at the new position (Image: George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Regardless, Vaughn will need the support of quarterback Dak Prescott to excel in the upcoming season. Prescott, whose future with the team is uncertain, is currently in the final year of his contract and has yet to be re-signed by the Cowboys. The 30-year-old is reportedly seeking a contract surpassing that of Jared Goff, who earns $53 million per year on a multi-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
While the Cowboys aim to secure their quarterback, they also need to manage salary cap space to re-sign their star players on both sides of the ball, including Lamb at wide receiver, as well as pass-rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs.
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