Closer Than Expected: Derrick Henry and the Dallas Cowboys
Derrick Henry's move to the Baltimore Ravens might have come as a surprise, but a lesser-known detail is just how close he was to donning a Dallas Cowboys jersey instead. The star running back, who makes Dallas his offseason training base, reportedly almost ended up making his regular-season home in the city as well. However, financial constraints proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for the Cowboys.
Henry, who spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, ended up signing a two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens. The move came as the Cowboys grappled with other financial considerations, including extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This left Dallas with limited salary cap space, crucially affecting their ability to bring in high-caliber talent like Henry.
Addressing the matter, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry. 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."
The impact of Henry's move to Baltimore made an immediate splash. His debut performance against the Cowboys saw him rush for 151 yards and two touchdowns, proving to be a decisive factor in the Ravens' 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. The loss handed the Cowboys their second consecutive home defeat.
On the Cowboys' side, the running back depth chart includes names like Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. While these players have shown potential, the team's running game has faltered this season, ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks and managing just 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. The limitations in their running game have been a significant point of concern for the team.
Jones stressed that addressing the running game issues would not simply be solved by acquiring a single player, however talented. "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," said Jones. "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 realities facing the Cowboys highlight a broader issue within the NFL where financial planning and strategic roster management are as critical as the on-field performances. The decision to hold off on extensions for key players like Lamb and Prescott played a significant role in Dallas not being able to afford Henry. This tough but necessary decision emphasized the challenging dynamics NFL teams must navigate to maintain competitiveness while staying within salary cap limits.
For the Ravens, Henry’s presence has fortified their running game, making them a formidable opponent in both AFC and overall NFL rankings. As the season continues, Henry's contributions will likely be a critical factor in any postseason success Baltimore might achieve.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys must find ways to resolve their running game woes if they hope to remain competitive as the season progresses. Whether it is through improved offensive line play, strategic adjustments, or potentially chasing other available talent under the radar, Dallas has work to do.
In the intricate chess game that is NFL roster management, Henry's near move to Dallas serves as a reminder of how close negotiations and the financial puzzle pieces can influence the destiny of teams and players alike.