Closer Than You Think: Derrick Henry Almost Became a Cowboy
In the offseason, rumors swirled around the Dallas Cowboys possibly acquiring star running back Derrick Henry. Although the deal never materialized, it was much closer to happening than many initially realized. Henry, who trains in Dallas during the offseason, was a tantalizing option for the Cowboys, who were in desperate need of a boost to their running game.
However, it was not to be. Instead, Henry inked a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, ending an eight-season tenure with the Tennessee Titans. His arrival in Baltimore was met with excitement, and he wasted no time making an impact. Henry's debut for the Ravens against none other than the Cowboys saw him rush for 151 yards and two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a thrilling 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This performance handed the Cowboys their second consecutive home loss, starkly highlighting the team’s deficiencies on the ground.
The Cowboys’ running back depth chart, stocked with Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and rookie Deuce Vaughn, has struggled to find its footing early in the season. Through the first two weeks, Dallas ranked a dismal 25th in rushing, managing a meager 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 contest.
The financial constraints faced by the Cowboys were a significant roadblock in their pursuit of Henry. Dallas decided to delay contract extensions for key players, including wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, which left them with limited salary cap space. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was candid about the situation. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. Reflecting the complexity and constraints of their financial situation, he added, "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."
But it wasn’t just the financials. Jones also pointed out that the Cowboys' rushing woes weren't solely due to the personnel. "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 said. "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' remarks underscore a broader issue with the Cowboys' offensive scheme and execution, emphasizing that the responsibility for their anemic running game cannot be pinned on the running backs alone. Offensive line play and a balanced offensive strategy are equally crucial to opening up the run game.
Meanwhile, Henry’s addition to the Ravens provides Baltimore with a formidable ground attack, complementing quarterback Lamar Jackson's dynamic play style. The synergy between Henry and Jackson has the potential to make the Ravens one of the most fearsome offenses in the league as the season progresses.
For the Cowboys, the missed opportunity to acquire Henry looms large, especially as they seek to address their rushing deficiencies to remain competitive. With their current lineup, they'll need to find creative solutions and ensure that their offensive line and passing game are firing on all cylinders to help revitalize their run game.
In a season where every yard counts, Dallas will need to overcome these challenges if they hope to turn their fortunes around and compete at the highest level. The near-miss with Derrick Henry may well be remembered as a pivotal moment that could have changed the trajectory of their season.