In a surprising turn of NFL offseason events, Derrick Henry's journey to the Baltimore Ravens almost detoured towards the Dallas Cowboys. Though many fans might have dismissed such a rumor as speculative at best, insiders reveal the acquisition was closer than anticipated.
During the offseason, Henry trains in Dallas, establishing a natural connection with the city's NFL team, the Cowboys. This factor made the swirling rumors of him donning the star on his helmet slightly more credible. Yet, the financial constraints proved too significant a hurdle for Dallas.
The Financial Reality
Henry signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, marking a significant shift after spending eight years with the Tennessee Titans. His move to Baltimore offers the Ravens an enhanced rushing attack, previously considered one of their weaker points. However, Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones was candid about the situation.
"We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. "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."
These limitations arose partly because the Cowboys prioritized waiting on contract extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This strategy left them with limited salary cap space, effectively closing the door on high-profile acquisitions like Henry.
The Cowboys' Running Game Woes
The decision to pass on Henry casts a spotlight on the Cowboys' struggles with their rushing game. Currently, the team features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn on their depth chart. Despite the talent, the output has been lackluster. The Cowboys ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, managing a meager 51 yards on the ground in Week 3.
Jerry Jones emphasized that the issue isn't solely about the personnel in the backfield. "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," he noted. Jones even humorously suggested that bringing in a Hall of Famer like Jimmy Brown wouldn't solve the issues overnight.
A Stinging Debut
Henry’s first game in a Ravens uniform was a stark reminder of what the Cowboys missed. Facing Dallas, he racked up 151 yards and two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a narrow 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. For the Cowboys, it marked their second consecutive home loss, underscoring the urgency for solutions to their offensive struggles.
In contrast, Henry's presence has already fortified Baltimore’s running game, presenting a formidable challenge for opponents. His performance against the Cowboys showcased his ability to dominate, even when transitioning to a new team. For Dallas, facing their former prospective back underlined what could have been.
Moving Forward
While the chance to acquire Derrick Henry may have slipped through their grasp, the Cowboys must still address their rushing inefficiencies to remain competitive. As the season progresses, the challenge lies not just in the abilities of individual players but in the cohesive performance of the offense as a whole.
For Jerry Jones and his team, the focus will continue to be on maximizing the talent they have and finding the right balance between extending key contracts and maintaining financial flexibility. The journey to recalibrate the rushing game promises to be a critical storyline for the Cowboys this season.