4 Cowboys on the hot seat entering 2024 free agency

Free agency has finally arrived after months of speculation. Arguably the most exciting part of the NFL's offseason calendar, the Dallas Cowboys have seldom played a big part in the frenzy under de facto general manager Jerry Jones.

However, roster holes might force Jones and the Cowboys to spend this year. With a laundry list of free agents, Dallas has needs at left tackle, center, running back, receiver, defensive tackle, cornerback and even edge rusher.

It could (or should) be the Cowboys' most active free agency in recent memory. It's not so much a rousing time for certain players on the roster, however. With that, here are four Dallas players squarely on the hot seat now that the team is permitted to negotiate with free agents.

4. RB Deuce Vaughn

We hate to pose the question, but could Deuce Vaughn be off the Cowboys roster entirely come preseason? It's certainly in the cards. For now, though, Vaughn is the only running back under contract that logged any carries in 2023.

As we know, Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle are free agents. Given their expected affordable prices, Dallas could bring both players back. That would thrust Vaughn back to the RB3 role, but Malik Davis is still around to provide competition during training camp. Not to mention, Hunter Luepke could see an uptick in goal-line carries after Pollard struggled mightily in that area last season

As a rookie, Vaughn averaged a paltry 1.7 yards per carry. He posted 1.52 yards after contact per rush and finished with a 40.9 rushing grade, per Pro Football Focus.

With the Cowboys widely expected to draft a running back next month. Vaughn could face a steep climb to make the 53-man roster, let alone carve out a role on the offense. What Dallas does in free agency could determine Vaughn's NFL future.