The recent actions made by Jerry Jones may finally result in Deuce Vaughn becoming Dak Prescott’s “new” companion.

Over the years, the Dallas Cowboys have built a reputation for surrounding their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, with a mix of talented and diverse offensive weapons. From the iconic receiving corps featuring stars like Dez Bryant and Amari Cooper to the powerful running back duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, the Cowboys have continuously adapted their roster to give Prescott the tools needed to succeed. However, as the 2025 NFL season kicks off, it’s becoming clear that the future of the Cowboys’ backfield may be shifting in a significant way. Thanks to the recent actions and decisions made by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office, rookie running back Deuce Vaughn may be poised to become Dak Prescott’s “new” companion in the Cowboys’ high-powered offense.

Deuce Vaughn’s potential rise to prominence has been a topic of interest ever since the Cowboys drafted the undersized yet electrifying running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. Vaughn, a standout at Kansas State, quickly gained attention for his playmaking ability, his vision, and his surprising strength despite his smaller stature. He may not fit the traditional mold of an NFL running back, but he possesses an elusive running style and incredible balance that has already proven to be effective against the best defenders in college football. With recent decisions by Jerry Jones, it looks like Vaughn is about to become a centerpiece in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy, finally earning his role as Dak Prescott’s new trusted companion in the backfield.

This article will explore the steps Jerry Jones has taken that could propel Deuce Vaughn into a prominent role, how his skills complement Prescott’s playstyle, and the potential impact of this partnership on the Cowboys’ offense. We will also examine what Vaughn brings to the table, why the Cowboys’ decision-makers have been so high on him, and how this shift could signal the end of the Cowboys’ reliance on their previous backfield hierarchy.

The Shift in Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Strategy

Over the past few seasons, the Dallas Cowboys’ offense has undergone subtle but impactful changes. While Dak Prescott has consistently been the leader of the offense, the team has experienced shifts in how they build their offensive system, particularly in terms of their running back group.

In 2021, after several years of dominating the ground game with Ezekiel Elliott as the centerpiece, the Cowboys’ offense began to transition into more of a pass-heavy attack. With Prescott emerging as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the league, the need for a workhorse running back like Elliott started to diminish. Despite his talent, Elliott’s contract became a burden for the team, and by 2023, the Cowboys opted to release him, signaling a new era in their backfield.

Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ explosive backup running back, emerged as the new feature back, but the Cowboys’ offense still lacked a true dual-threat option who could both run the ball efficiently and contribute significantly in the passing game. Enter Deuce Vaughn.

Vaughn, with his unique blend of agility, speed, and receiving skills, provides the Cowboys with a potential weapon that can complement Dak Prescott in ways that previous running backs, including Elliott and Pollard, could not. While Pollard is undoubtedly talented, his strengths lie more in his ability to make explosive plays on the ground. Vaughn, on the other hand, could become the Cowboys’ new Swiss Army knife, someone who is equally dangerous as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Jerry Jones’ decision to invest in Vaughn—especially in the 2023 draft—was a clear indication that the Cowboys are moving towards an offense that not only leans on Prescott’s arm but also gives him versatile weapons to work with in the backfield. Vaughn is seen as a player who can catch passes, make defenders miss in tight spaces, and bring a new dynamic to the offense that could take it to the next level.

Why Deuce Vaughn? The Case for the New Companion

Deuce Vaughn’s talents have made him an intriguing prospect since his college days at Kansas State, where he earned All-Big 12 honors and set numerous records. Standing at just 5’5” and weighing in at 179 pounds, Vaughn doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a traditional NFL running back. In fact, his size has led to some skepticism about his ability to handle the rigors of the NFL game, but that skepticism is often countered by his sheer determination and playmaking ability.

Vaughn’s greatest strength lies in his elusiveness and quickness. He has exceptional vision, which allows him to find and exploit holes in the defense, and he can change direction on a dime, making him a nightmare for defenders. Despite his smaller frame, he has an uncanny ability to absorb hits and maintain his balance, often spinning out of tackles and finding ways to break away from defenders. These qualities give him the potential to be a dangerous weapon in the NFL, especially as a dual-threat back who can operate as both a runner and a receiver.

One of the most exciting aspects of Vaughn’s game is his receiving ability. In college, he proved to be an adept pass catcher, racking up over 1,200 receiving yards during his career at Kansas State. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make plays in space is an area where he can immediately contribute to the Cowboys’ offense. This skillset aligns perfectly with the needs of Dak Prescott, who has frequently relied on running backs to make plays in the passing game.

In many ways, Vaughn can become Prescott’s “new” companion in the same way that a player like Alvin Kamara has been for quarterbacks in New Orleans. Vaughn brings the type of versatility that will allow Prescott to trust him in various situations—whether it’s in the open field on a screen pass, running between the tackles, or making a big play in a critical moment.

Jerry Jones and the Decision to Develop Vaughn

Jerry Jones has long been known for his willingness to make bold moves when it comes to roster decisions, and his actions regarding Deuce Vaughn have only reinforced that reputation. From the moment Vaughn was drafted, Jones and the Cowboys’ front office made it clear that they saw something special in him. The decision to draft Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft was a shrewd one, especially considering the running back’s potential and the team’s evolving needs.

Jones has been vocal about his excitement for Vaughn, often speaking highly of the young running back’s abilities and his potential fit within the Cowboys’ offense. Jones believes that Vaughn’s skill set is a perfect complement to Dak Prescott, especially as the team looks to maximize its passing attack while maintaining a solid running game. Vaughn’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield will help diversify the offense, making it harder for defenses to predict the Cowboys’ next move.

As Jones has continued to reshape the roster in recent years, he’s made it clear that he values flexibility and balance on offense. With Prescott’s ability to make plays with his arm, adding a versatile running back like Vaughn who can contribute in both the running and passing games gives the Cowboys an added dimension. This adaptability is critical, particularly in the modern NFL, where offensive systems need to be diverse and unpredictable.

By putting Vaughn in the same conversation as Prescott, Jones is signaling that the Cowboys’ future offensive success will rely on multiple weapons working in tandem. Just as Prescott has developed chemistry with wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, it now appears that Vaughn could be the latest player to form that bond and play a key role in Prescott’s development.

Vaughn and Prescott’s Growing Partnership

What makes the potential partnership between Dak Prescott and Deuce Vaughn so exciting is how well their playing styles complement each other. Prescott has always been known for his ability to read defenses, go through progressions, and make quick decisions in the passing game. With a back like Vaughn, who can quickly turn a simple checkdown into a big play, Prescott has yet another weapon in his arsenal. This is particularly crucial in today’s NFL, where defenses are fast and physical, and quarterbacks need to adjust to multiple schemes and blitzes.

The ability to dump the ball off to Vaughn and let him work in space could be a game-changer for Prescott. Unlike larger, more traditional running backs, Vaughn’s agility and lateral quickness make him dangerous in the open field. If he can build a strong rapport with Prescott, Vaughn could develop into one of the most effective third-down options in the league, especially in short-yardage and passing situations.

This new dynamic would also allow the Cowboys to be more flexible with their offensive formations. The combination of Prescott’s arm strength and Vaughn’s versatility in the backfield could open up more creative plays, whether it’s involving Vaughn in motion, creating mismatches in coverage, or exploiting defenses’ tendencies to play against larger backs. In many ways, Vaughn could become Prescott’s “new” companion in the same way that a high-end receiving back like Kamara has been for Drew Brees in New Orleans or that Christian McCaffrey has been for various quarterbacks in Carolina and San Francisco.

What This Means for the Cowboys’ Future

With the increasing reliance on passing games in the NFL, running backs like Deuce Vaughn who can contribute both on the ground and in the air are invaluable. For Dak Prescott, having a backfield partner like Vaughn who can help him stay on the field, extend drives, and create mismatches for opposing defenses is a significant advantage.

Jerry Jones’ decision to develop Deuce Vaughn is a move that could pay dividends in the coming seasons. With Vaughn and Prescott forming a formidable duo, the Cowboys’ offense is poised to reach new heights. While the team may not have won a Super Bowl in recent

years, the addition of Vaughn to the fold could signal the beginning of a new era for the Cowboys’ offensive attack—one that may finally deliver the championship they’ve been chasing for nearly three decades.