Derrick Henry’s Close Call With the Dallas Cowboys
In a tale that nearly reshaped the landscape of the NFL, Derrick Henry's potential move to the Dallas Cowboys was far closer to reality than many might initially believe. The star running back, known for his punishing runs and game-breaking abilities, trains in Dallas during the offseason, creating a natural connection and increasing the speculation surrounding his possible signing with the Cowboys.
However, Henry, after eight illustrious years with the Tennessee Titans, opted to sign a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. His debut performance in Baltimore colors was nothing short of spectacular, putting up 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns against none other than the Cowboys. This significant effort propelled the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium, handing Dallas its second consecutive home defeat.
The Cowboys, who currently have Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart, have struggled in their ground game. Ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys managed a meager 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 outing. These lackluster performances have highlighted the urgent need for a potent running game if Dallas is to remain competitive as the season progresses.
Team owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation candidly. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated. He further elaborated, "I don't know. Why can't you buy a mansion when you live in a different kind of house? We couldn't afford it. We can't make that all fit. That's as simple as that." Jones emphasized the financial constraints that left the Cowboys unable to secure Henry’s services.
The offseason decisions made by the Cowboys' management focused on waiting for extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This strategic move, while aiming to secure long-term stability for the team’s core players, resulted in limited salary cap space, rendering the acquisition of a high-caliber player like Henry unattainable.
Furthermore, Jones dismissed the notion that a single player could resolve the team’s offensive issues. "I wouldn't direct the running game and lack thereof or where we've been over the last three games to any one running back at all," Jones remarked. "Because it takes some offensive linemen to blow them out of there; it takes a passing game to keep them honest in the running game. It takes a lot of things to make that work. This wouldn't be solved with just jumping over there and getting [Hall of Famer] Jimmy Brown."
Meanwhile, for the Ravens, Henry’s signing has already proven to be a significant boon. His presence provides Baltimore with a formidable running game, potentially one of the strongest in the league. Henry’s ability to carry the load and perform under pressure could be a decisive factor as the Ravens aim for a deep playoff run this season.
As the season unfolds, the Cowboys will need to find innovative solutions to address their rushing woes. Whether it involves internal adjustments, strategic in-game changes, or exploring the trade market, the pressure is on for Dallas to elevate their ground game. The team’s hopes of contending for postseason glory hinge significantly on finding balance and consistency, particularly in their offensive performance.
One thing is clear: the NFL narratives can change in an instant. Derrick Henry’s closer-than-expected brush with the Cowboys is a stark reminder of how financial strategy, player evaluations, and timing all play critical roles in shaping the fortunes of franchises. For the Cowboys, the absence of Henry underscores the importance of every transaction and decision in the highly competitive world of professional football.