The Dallas Cowboys had one of the most head-scratching offseasons in recent memory. But the confusion was self-inflicted after Jerry Jones boldly stated the Cowboys would be "all-in" this offseason.
Their most notable free-agent signing was linebacker Eric Kendricks on a one-year deal, and the team opted not to address multiple positions that many expected it would.
One area where the Cowboys were viewed as a favorite to make a move was at wide receiver, with Michael Gallup leaving in free agency. But despite Gallup's departure, Dallas didn't make a splash — or anything close to it.
But it may be looking in-house to find some additional playmaking at the wide receiver position and doing so with second-year running back Deuce Vaughn.
Vaughn showcased explosive upside and was seen taking reps with the wide receivers and getting work out of the slot. The electrifying young back spoke with the team's official website about getting work in at wideout.
"It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year," Vaughn said per the team’s website. "Talking with [Brian Schottenheimer] just a little bit about getting with the slot ... Just learning a little bit more about it. Because it’s one of the things I did in college and love to do. Just adds another value."
Vaughn played a limited role during his rookie season, tallying 23 carries for 40 yards while catching seven passes (on seven targets) for 40 yards.
The 22-year-old running back excelled in his three seasons with Kansas State as a runner but also showcased his upside as a pass-catcher. Over three seasons and 37 games with the Wildcats, he caught 116 passes for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns. His best season as a pass-catcher came as a sophomore in 2021 when he caught 49 passes for 468 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Don't be surprised if the Cowboys roll out Vaughn in a pass-catching role more often this year as he continues to build rapport with Dak Prescott ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
