Derrick Henry Nearly Joined the Cowboys
In a series of events that many fans may find surprising, Derrick Henry was closer to becoming a Dallas Cowboy than previously believed. Trained in Dallas during the offseason, the star running back seemed a viable addition to the team. However, financial constraints ultimately prevented his union with America’s Team.
Henry instead signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, marking a significant shift after eight stellar years with the Tennessee Titans. His debut for the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, cementing a 28-25 victory against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
For the Cowboys, this represented a second consecutive home defeat, further highlighting the complexities of their current season. With Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart, the Cowboys’ running game appeared to lack the spark that Henry could have ignited.
Early in the season, the Cowboys faced persistent challenges in their ground game. Ranking a dismal 25th in rushing during the first two weeks, they managed just 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 matchup, a statistic that underscores the continuing issues in their offensive play.
In addressing Henry’s near move to Dallas, team owner Jerry Jones was candid about the financial hurdles. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones remarked, encapsulating the budgetary strains that impeded the deal. He 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’ comments shed light on the broader financial strategy of the Cowboys, who opted to hold off on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This cautious approach towards future expenditures left the team with constrained salary cap space, limiting their ability to secure high-profile talents like Henry.
The ramifications of this decision are evident in the current form of the team’s 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," Jones stated, emphasizing the team-wide nature of their offensive travails. "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."
With Henry now solidifying the Ravens' offensive lineup, Baltimore enjoys a formidable rush attack that could propel them deep into the postseason. For the Cowboys, however, the journey involves introspection and adjustments. Their focus remains on refining the synergies between their line and backfield to rejuvenate their ground game and maintain competitiveness.
As the season progresses, the Cowboys' decisions—both financial and strategic—will continue to shape their trajectory. Engaging with these challenges head-on, they’ll need to explore innovative solutions to bolster their rushing game without the assistance of what-might-have-beens like Derrick Henry's prowess.