Dallas Cowboys' Conservative Approach in Free Agency Raises Questions
The Dallas Cowboys have once again chosen a measured approach in their free agency strategy, a move that diverges from the more aggressive tactics taken by other NFL teams this year. The Cowboys' management, led by team owner Jerry Jones, decided to stick with their conservative game plan, signing mostly modest contracts rather than making high-profile splashes.
One of the most notable additions to the Cowboys' roster this offseason is the acquisition of 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks. Kendricks was signed to a one-year deal valued at $3 million, potentially rising to $3.5 million with incentives. His arrival aims to fill the gap left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch. While Kendricks brings experience and leadership, questions remain about whether he can single-handedly elevate the team’s defensive performance.
On the offensive side, Dallas made minor adjustments by re-signing Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $1.255 million. Additionally, Ezekiel Elliott returned to the fold on a one-year, $2 million contract, which includes the possibility of increasing to $3 million through performance-based incentives. Elliott's re-signing came after the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, reflecting an ongoing commitment to a familiar face in the backfield.
Jerry Jones addressed the speculation surrounding a potential deal for star running back Derrick Henry, who instead inked a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens at the outset of free agency in March. Henry’s deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed and could reach up to $20 million with incentives. On joining the Ravens, Henry expressed his preference candidly during an appearance on the "Pivot" podcast:
"I was like, man, if I'm not in Tennessee or I don't get to go to Dallas, I'd love to be a Raven."
Despite Henry’s openness to joining the Cowboys, Jones conceded the team’s financial constraints played a decisive role. "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry," he admitted, a sentiment he repeated for emphasis. The Cowboys face a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to Elliott’s post-June 1 release designation, further complicating the team's cap situation.
The broader implications of these moves have many questioning the Cowboys' offensive efficiency, particularly their running game. Currently, Dallas ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing, averaging a mere 73.7 yards per game. Their running backs have amassed only 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, translating to an underwhelming average of 3.5 yards per carry. Alarmingly, the Cowboys are minus 74 rushing yards over expectation, outperforming only the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins in this dismal metric.
Meanwhile, Derrick Henry's performance places him among the NFL's elite backs. With 281 rushing yards, he ranks fifth in the league and is tied at the top for rushing touchdowns with four. His average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation stand in stark contrast to the Cowboys’ struggles, underscoring what might have been had Henry joined Dallas.
The Cowboys' cautious approach stands in stark contrast to their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, who made headlines in March by making Landon Dickerson the highest-paid offensive guard in the NFL. The Eagles’ bold moves further highlight the disparity in strategies within the highly competitive NFC East.
Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic, however, proclaiming that Dallas would be "all in" for the 2024 season. Whether this cautious methodology will yield the desired results remains to be seen, but fans and analysts alike are watching closely, eager to see if this approach will lead the Cowboys to success or further disappointment.