Full Breakdown
Broncos Waive RB Deuce Vaughn Amid Offseason Roster Trim
5/14/2026, 4:41:01 AM
Core Event: Broncos Release Deuce Vaughn
The Denver Broncos announced the waiver of running back Deuce Vaughn on a Tuesday as part of the league-mandated 90-player offseason roster cut. The move coincided with the signings of wide receiver Michael Woods II and cornerback Paul Manning, bringing the Broncos to the roster limit.
Background & Context: Running Back Depth and Roster Limits
Denver entered the 2025-2026 offseason with a crowded backfield after free-agency signings, the 2025 NFL Draft, and the addition of rookie Jonah Coleman. The team’s strategy emphasizes a three-man rotation anchored by veteran J.K. Dobbins, 2025 second-round pick RJ Harvey, and 2026 third-round pick Jonah Coleman. Returning players Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Cody Shrader also compete for roster spots, prompting the Broncos to trim excess depth.
Key Figures & Groups
- Deuce Vaughn – 2023 sixth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, 5-foot-6, 173-176 lb. Appeared in 14 games with 40 carries for 110 yards and 10 receptions for 58 yards.
- Sean Payton – Head coach, publicly praised Coleman’s fit.
- Jonah Coleman – 2026 third-round pick from Washington, credited with 1,811 rushing yards, 531 receiving yards, and 27 total touchdowns in college.
- Chris Tomasson – Broncos beat reporter who described Vaughn as “expendable.”
Timeline of Moves
- September 2024 – Vaughn joins the Broncos practice squad.
- January 2025 – Signs a reserve/future contract with Denver.
- March 9 2025 – Dobbins signs a two-year, $16 million extension.
- April 2025 – Broncos draft RJ Harvey (2nd round) and Jonah Coleman (3rd round).
- Tuesday (date disputed) – Broncos waive Deuce Vaughn; simultaneously sign Michael Woods II and Paul Manning.
Data & Statistics
- Vaughn’s NFL production: 110 rushing yards on 40 carries (2.8 ypc) and 58 receiving yards on 10 catches.
- Broncos’ RB roster: J.K. Dobbins (5-foot-10, 212 lb), RJ Harvey (5-foot-8, 205 lb), Jonah Coleman (5-foot-8, 220 lb), plus McLaughlin, Badie, Shrader.
- Offseason roster limit: 90 players.
Official Statements & Responses
Broncos officials framed Vaughn’s release as a roster-management decision following the acquisition of Coleman, whom the organization described as a versatile back capable of contributing in multiple phases. Head coach Sean Payton emphasized the team’s focus on identifying the “best runner” who fits the offensive scheme. Beat reporter Chris Tomasson relayed that the Broncos considered Vaughn “expendable” after bolstering the position.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted Vaughn’s size as a limiting factor in pass protection, arguing that a 5-foot-6 frame presents challenges against linebackers and safeties. Commentary from the Dallas Morning News suggested his limited snap counts reflected broader concerns about durability and scheme fit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of the waiver: a *Sports Illustrated* article dated August 16 2025 reports the move then, while a later *Sports Illustrated* piece dated May 12 2026 references the same waiver on that Tuesday. No official Broncos statement provides a definitive date, leaving the timeline ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Broncos have waived RB Deuce Vaughn per source,” — Mike Klis, 9NEWS
- “The Broncos are waiving RB Deuce Vaughn, source confirms,” — Luca Evans, The Denver Post
- “Broncos’ new RB Jonah Coleman can do it all,” — Zac Stevens, DNVR
- “We’re not getting too cute here. We’re trying to find… Who’s the best runner and does it fit us? We felt strongly it did with him,” — Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos
- “expendable” — Chris Tomasson, Broncos beat reporter
What’s Next for the Broncos
The Broncos will evaluate the remaining running backs during upcoming training camp, with the next potential cuts likely affecting Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, or Cody Shrader. The finalized backfield is expected to feature Dobbins, Harvey, and Coleman heading into the 2026 regular season.
