Derrick Henry and the Near Miss with the Dallas Cowboys
In the whirlwind world of NFL trades and free agency, sometimes the deals that don’t happen are just as compelling as those that do. One such instance is the almost-acquisition of star running back Derrick Henry by the Dallas Cowboys. A closer look reveals this move was more feasible than many initially believed.
Henry's offseason training brings him to Dallas, an interesting convenience that perhaps fed speculation. Ultimately, it was a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens that ended Henry’s eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans. The impact of Henry’s move was immediate, as evidenced by his explosive debut against the Cowboys, rushing for 151 yards and securing two touchdowns in a 28-25 Ravens victory at AT&T Stadium. This marked a painful second consecutive home loss for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys face a complex predicament when it comes to optimizing their running game. Currently, their roster includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. Yet, the team’s ground attack has been lacking; they ranked 25th in rushing in the first two weeks of the season, managing a mere 51 yards on the ground by Week 3. A significant aspect limiting the Cowboys’ ability to bolster their roster is financial. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, was candid about the situation.
"We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated. "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." His analogy underscores the delicate balancing act teams perform under the constraints of the salary cap.
This financial tightrope is further complicated by the Cowboys’ strategy of delaying contract extensions for key players, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. These decisions have left the Cowboys with limited salary cap space, hampering their ability to make bold moves in the market.
In contrast, Derrick Henry’s addition to the Ravens provides them with a formidable offensive weapon, further enhancing their ground game. The Cowboys, meanwhile, must confront their running game woes head-on if they are to remain competitive as the season progresses.
Jones also emphasized that the problem is multifaceted and doesn’t rest solely on individual players. "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."
His comments highlight the interconnected nature of football strategies. The running back, offensive linemen, and passing game all contribute to a successful rushing attack. While Derrick Henry might have provided a boost, the solution to the Cowboys’ running game issues likely lies in a more comprehensive approach.
As the Cowboys look to salvage their season, the decisions they make regarding their roster and salary cap will be critical. Whether it means developing existing talent or making strategic acquisitions, the path forward will require careful planning and execution. The story of Derrick Henry’s almost-move to Dallas serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics at play in NFL team management.