Derrick Henry nearly joined the Dallas Cowboys, much to the surprise of fans and analysts alike. This revelation comes amid Henry's recent signing with the Baltimore Ravens. The star running back, known for his dominant performances, has long trained in Dallas during the offseason, hinting at a potential merger that ultimately did not materialize.
Henry secured a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens after a remarkable eight-season stint with the Tennessee Titans. His debut for the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a nail-biting 28-25 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This game marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss and further underscored their ongoing struggles in the running game.
The Cowboys' current running back depth chart features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. Despite this lineup, the team ranked a dismal 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season and managed only 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. These statistics paint a bleak picture for the Cowboys' ground attack and raise questions about what could have been if Henry had joined the roster.
Behind the scenes, financial constraints played a significant role in the Cowboys' inability to secure Henry. Team owner Jerry Jones candidly explained the situation, stating, "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." His comments highlight the fiscal challenges that come with managing a sports team, especially when key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott are awaiting contract extensions.
Jones further elaborated on the broader issues affecting 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 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," Jones remarked, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the problem.
While the Cowboys grapple with their running game issues, Henry's presence has fortified the Ravens' ground attack, making them a formidable opponent. As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to find effective solutions to their rushing woes to remain competitive in an intensely scrutinized league.
The decision to wait on player extensions and the resulting salary cap limitations underscore the complexity of team management in the NFL. For the Cowboys, the road ahead involves more than just addressing their immediate shortcomings. It requires a strategic approach to roster building, financial planning, and performance optimization.
The off-field dynamics between player contracts, salary caps, and overall team composition play a critical role in what unfolds on the field. Henry's near-move to Dallas serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance required to build a successful team. For now, Cowboys fans can only speculate on what might have been, while Henry continues to make an impact in Baltimore.