Close Call: Derrick Henry Almost Joined the Dallas Cowboys
Derrick Henry’s off-season in Dallas had many speculating about a potential move to the Cowboys, and it turns out those murmurs were closer to reality than anticipated. Despite the star running back's training base being in Dallas, it is the Baltimore Ravens who secured his services, signing Henry to a two-year, $16 million deal. This marked the end of his notable eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
When Henry faced the Cowboys in his debut for the Ravens, he delivered a spectacular performance, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His efforts propelled Baltimore to a nail-biting 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium, handing the Cowboys their second consecutive home loss.
For Cowboys fans, the thought of seeing Henry in blue and silver might have offered a glimmer of hope to resolve their early-season struggles in the running game. The Cowboys have been less than impressive in this department, ranking 25th in rushing through the first two weeks of the season. Week 3 saw them manage just 51 yards on the ground, further emphasizing the void in their offensive lineup.
Currently, the Cowboys' depth chart lists running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. While each offers unique strengths, the absence of a dominating force like Henry is palpable. The situation leaves the Cowboys in a precarious position as they seek to improve their ground game to maintain competitiveness in the season.
In addressing the possibility of signing Henry, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was transparent about the financial constraints that influenced their decision. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. He elaborated further, drawing a relatable analogy: "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 also emphasized that the team's running game issues weren't solely because of the absence of a high-caliber running back. "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," he explained. "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."
The financial reality for the Cowboys has been further strained by waiting on extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This strategic decision to defer extensions has left the team with limited salary cap space, restricting their ability to make substantial offseason acquisitions like Derrick Henry.
Meanwhile, Henry's arrival in Baltimore has significantly bolstered the Ravens' offensive prowess, providing them with a formidable running game. His presence on the field not only intimidates opponents but also offers the Ravens more versatility in their offensive strategies.
As the season progresses, it's evident that the Cowboys must explore alternative avenues to enhance their running game. Whether through tactical adjustments, relying on their current roster, or potential strategic moves in the future, addressing this gap is crucial for the Cowboys to remain a competitive force. Without a doubt, their fans will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround and dreaming of what might have been with Derrick Henry in their lineup.