In a surprising twist, Derrick Henry, widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier running backs, was nearly donning a Dallas Cowboys jersey this season. While fans might find this hard to believe, the possibility was closer to reality than one might think. Henry's offseason training base in Dallas certainly fueled such speculations. However, the Cowboys were ultimately unable to fit him under their salary cap, a decision that might weigh heavily on the minds of the front office as the season progresses.
The Missed Opportunity
Despite their aspirations, the Cowboys could not make the acquisition of Henry work from a financial standpoint. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones candidly shared, "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 reality of the situation left Cowboys fans pondering what could have been, especially given their current rushing woes. Ranking 25th in rushing through the first two weeks and managing only 51 yards on the ground in Week 3, the need for a dynamic runner like Henry is evident. Jones further emphasized that the challenges in their running game cannot be attributed to a single player. "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," Jones explained. "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."
Shining in Baltimore
Henry ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, stepping into a role that immediately paid dividends. His debut performance against the Cowboys was a masterclass, as he rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. Henry’s presence in Baltimore provides the Ravens with a formidable running game that poses significant challenges for any defense.
Cowboys' Current Backfield
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are working with a backfield that includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. Yet, their contributions have not been enough to lift the team's rushing attack from the bottom quarter of the league. The Cowboys’ offensive struggles are multifaceted, involving offensive line issues and a passing game that fails to keep defenses honest.
Adding to their complexities, the Cowboys have elected to wait on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This cautious approach has left them with limited salary cap space, preventing them from pursuing high-profile acquisitions like Henry. Jerry Jones is acutely aware of the financial gymnastics required to balance talent acquisition with fiscal responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, the Cowboys will need to address their rushing game deficiencies if they aim to remain competitive. The burden falls on the current roster and coaching staff to innovate and strategize ways to improve, rather than hoping for an external savior. The challenge is substantial, but the blueprint for success is there. Strong offensive line play, creative play-calling, and a balanced attack can turn things around.
For now, Cowboys fans can only imagine what Derrick Henry might have brought to their team. In Baltimore, Henry is thriving, reminding everyone why he is one of the league's elite running backs. As the Cowboys work to fix their own issues, his absence serves as a stark reminder of the slim margins and tough decisions that define NFL success and failure.