Closer Than Expected: Derrick Henry to the Cowboys
The possibility of Derrick Henry donning the Dallas Cowboys uniform was more realistic than many might have anticipated. This revelation underscores the intricate dance teams must execute in managing talent acquisition against financial constraints.
For Cowboys fans, the idea of seeing Henry train in Dallas during the offseason had sparked excitement and speculation. However, hopes were dashed when Henry inked a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. This marked a new chapter in Henry's storied career after spending eight years as the workhorse back for the Tennessee Titans.
In his Ravens debut, Henry made a statement with a performance that left Cowboys' supporters pondering what could have been. Rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, Henry led Baltimore to a narrow 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This marked the Cowboys’ second consecutive home loss, highlighting deep-seated issues in Dallas’s rushing game.
Despite early interest, the Cowboys ultimately found themselves sidelined in the Henry sweepstakes. Team owner Jerry Jones succinctly addressed the constraints, stating, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry." Further elaborating on the team's financial strategy, Jones added, "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."
The Cowboys' current running back roster, featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, has struggled to establish dominance on the ground. Over the first two weeks of the season, the Cowboys ranked a dismal 25th in rushing, managing a paltry 51 yards in Week 3. Addressing this struggle, Jones noted, "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, 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."
One pivotal factor in the Cowboys’ inability to land Henry was their decision to delay extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This conservative approach left Dallas with limited salary cap space to accommodate a high-profile acquisition like Henry.
Meanwhile, Henry’s addition to the Ravens has validated Baltimore's aggressive approach in shoring up their running game. His powerful performance in the victory over Dallas underscored the potential he brings to the Ravens' offensive lineup, making them an even more formidable adversary as the season progresses.
For the Cowboys, the task ahead is clear. If they are to compete at a high level and make a significant push for the postseason, they must address their running game deficiencies. Whether through developing current talent or exploring future acquisitions, Dallas must find a solution that fits both their strategic vision and financial realities.
While the dream of Derrick Henry wearing Cowboys’ colors has faded, the underlying issues remain a pressing concern. How the Cowboys navigate these challenges will shape much of their season's success and potentially redefine the strategies they employ in bolstering their roster moving forward.