Henry's Near-Move to Dallas: A Close Call That Didn't Materialize
Derrick Henry's offseason movements have been the topic of much speculation, and new details reveal just how close the star running back came to signing with the Dallas Cowboys. Initially appearing as an unlikely scenario, the deal was much closer to fruition than many would suspect.
Henry, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens after spending eight productive years with the Tennessee Titans. The beginning of his tenure with the Ravens has marked significant performances, including a notable debut against the Cowboys where he rushed for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys are currently grappling with a weak running game, reflected in their 25th ranking in rushing after the first two weeks of the season. Week 3 saw them manage just 51 yards on the ground. This subpar performance underscores their need for a strong backfield presence, a role Henry could have filled had financial constraints not intervened.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, candidly elaborated on this missed opportunity. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones remarked. Addressing the financial limitations, he 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."
With Henry's prowess now bolstering the Ravens' running game, the Cowboys find themselves in a tight spot. Despite having Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart, the team's ground game has yet to find its footing this season. The loss to the Ravens marked their second consecutive home defeat, reflecting deeper problems needing urgent attention.
Financial decisions have also impacted the Cowboys' roster management strategy. Decisions to delay contract extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott have left the team constrained in terms of salary cap space. This has hampered their ability to make significant roster additions, such as acquiring a high-caliber running back like Henry.
Jones remains realistic about the multifaceted challenges facing the Cowboys' running game. "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," Jones explained.
As the season progresses, the Cowboys must explore alternative solutions to revitalize their running attack. Whether through internal development of their current lineup or strategic trades and signings, the team must act swiftly to remain competitive.
While Derrick Henry dons the Ravens' uniform, leading their charge on the field, the Cowboys are left to ponder what might have been. This missed opportunity serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges in assembling a championship-caliber team.