Derrick Henry's journey to Baltimore Ravens was a significant event that almost took a different turn. The star running back, known for his impressive physicality and remarkable performances, was closer to donning the Dallas Cowboys jersey than many might realize.
Close Call with Dallas
During the offseason, Henry trains in Dallas, fueling speculation of a potential move to the Cowboys. Many fans and analysts anticipated the possibility of Henry joining the Cowboys, a team in dire need of bolstering their rushing attack. However, the dream was short-lived as Henry eventually signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, ending his illustrious eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
Jerry Jones, the outspoken owner of the Dallas Cowboys, shed light on the situation with a sense of pragmatic clarity. “We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry,” Jones stated, summarizing the core issue. He 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.”
An Impactful Performance
Henry's first showcase with the Ravens against the team that flirted with acquiring him was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a thrilling 28-25 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This performance not only highlighted Henry's individual talent but also handed the Cowboys their second consecutive home loss of the season.
This defeat added pressure on the Cowboys' running game, which has been struggling. The current depth chart features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and rookie Deuce Vaughn, but the results on the ground have been far from satisfactory. Ranking 25th in rushing during the first two weeks, Dallas managed merely 51 rushing yards in their subsequent outing.
Financial Strains and Future Implications
Dallas' financial decisions played a pivotal role in their inability to secure Henry. By choosing to wait on extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys found themselves with limited salary cap space. This financial constraint prevented them from making a competitive offer to Henry and addressing their urgent need for an elite running back.
Jones provided a candid assessment of the running game's woes, emphasizing that the problem goes beyond any 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,” he asserted. “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.”
A Formidable Force in Baltimore
While the Cowboys continue to grapple with their ground game issues, Henry's presence has already fortified the Ravens' running attack. Baltimore, known for their reliance on a strong ground game, will likely benefit greatly from Henry's power and agility as the season progresses.
The Cowboys must now turn their focus inward and devise strategies to revamp their rushing offense. Whether it involves adjustments in the offensive line, diversifying their playbook to keep defenses guessings, or seeking mid-season acquisitions, the onus is on Dallas to rectify their shortcomings.
In the fiercely competitive landscape of the NFL, every game carries weight, and the margin for error is slim. The missed opportunity to acquire Derrick Henry may serve as a case study for the Cowboys, a reminder of the delicate balance between financial management and on-field performance.
As the season advances, the Cowboys will need to quickly find answers if they hope to remain contenders. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry will continue to prove his worth in Baltimore, leaving Cowboys fans to wonder what might have been.