As the dust settles on a recent wave of NFL transactions, one near-miss deal has come to light, which reveals the intricate web of decisions and constraints faced by team executives. The Dallas Cowboys, it turns out, were closer to landing star running back Derrick Henry than many might have imagined. Ultimately, however, financial constraints and strategic priorities dictated otherwise.
The offseason narrative saw Henry training in Dallas, sparking speculation about a potential link-up with the Cowboys. Yet, as Cowboys owner Jerry Jones candidly put it, "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry." The economics of NFL team management often involve tough choices, and for the Cowboys, this was one such instance. Jones further 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."
A New Chapter in Baltimore
Henry eventually signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, ending his prolific eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans. His impact was immediate and significant. In his debut against the Cowboys, Henry rushed for a staggering 151 yards and two touchdowns, propelling the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium and handing the Cowboys their second consecutive home loss.
For the Ravens, securing Henry has fortified their running game, giving them a formidable weapon as the season progresses. In contrast, the Cowboys' rushing attack has been underwhelming so far. With only 51 rushing yards in Week 3, the team ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season. The Cowboys' backfield includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, who have yet to click as a cohesive unit.
Financial Priorities and Cap Constraints
The Cowboys' reluctance to pursue Henry can be traced back to their salary cap situation. With key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott awaiting contract extensions, the team's financial flexibility was significantly restricted. As Jones outlined, fitting Henry into the payroll was an impracticality that couldn’t be overlooked.
Jones also emphasized that adding a star running back wouldn't necessarily resolve the Cowboys' rushing issues. "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 advised. "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."
Future Adjustments Needed
The Cowboys face the challenge of addressing their run game inefficiencies to stay competitive. Given their current depth chart and offensive line struggles, a holistic approach is necessary. The balance between the running game and an effective passing attack needs to be fine-tuned if Dallas is to turn their fortunes around.
As the season unfurls, the Cowboys' decisions, both on the field and in terms of roster management, will be under scrutiny. Their ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining competitive form will be pivotal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Cowboys can bolster their run game internally or if mid-season adjustments will become essential to keep their playoff hopes alive.