Nick Eatman

While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-10 in 2024.

Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.

Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2025.

Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with running back Deuce Vaughn.

• Name:Deuce Vaughn

• Position:Running Back

• Experience:3nd Year

• Games Played/Starts:14 / 0

• Years Left on Contract:2

• How Acquired:Drafted 2023 (6th Round, Kansas State)

The Past:He's played in just 14 total games in two years with exactly seven in each of the past two seasons. Where Deuce really made his mark other than his heartwarming Draft Day story where he reunited with his dad Chris, who is still a scout with the Cowboys was in the preseason. In his rookie year, Vaughn was electrifying in the second half of exhibition games, playing mostly against backups who didn't make NFL rosters, but to be fair, he was running behind and alongside players in the same situation.

Needless to say, it didn't really translate to regular-season success for Vaughn, in 2023 or 2024. There have been some flashes here and there but nothing too sustainable. He's had 40 carries for 110 yards and 10 catches for 58 yards, averaging just 3.36 yards with his offensive touches.

The Present:Here are some things going for Vaughn at the moment the Cowboys brought in his college offensive coordinator in Connor Riley, who is now the team's O-line coach. Riley coached Vaughn to his All-American success as the OC at Kansas State. Perhaps he can dial up some plays for Vaughn to better utilize his skill sets. As it stands currently, the Cowboys have veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders at the position, having let Rico Dowdle leave in free agency.

The Future:Regardless if the Cowboys draft a running back high in the draft, in the middle rounds or just pick up some undrafted free agents it's time for Vaughn to make plays when he's in the game. There is a healthy debate whether or not Vaughn has truly had a big enough sample size to make a difference. He's had 68 touches on offense in two years. While that's not a ton, part of that could have been what Vaughn was showing or not showing in practice to keep his reps limited. Either way, it's time for to take that leap in his third year.

The Cowboys don't need a ton of help in the return game with KaVontae Turpin being a two-time Pro Bowler so Vaughn will have to continue to carve out his own niche. But on offense, whether it's a runner or receiver, or both, it's time for him to make that jump. And maybe the reconnection with his college coach can help him take that necessary leap.