In the world of professional football, Derrick Henry's potential move to the Dallas Cowboys became much more than mere speculation this offseason. The star running back, known for his formidable rushing ability, has deep ties to Dallas, where he regularly trains during the offseason. Yet, despite the allure, Henry ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens after an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry's arrival in Baltimore has quickly paid dividends. In his debut against the Cowboys, he showcased his elite talent by rushing for 151 yards and securing two touchdowns, guiding the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. For the Cowboys, this defeat marked their second consecutive home loss, a worrying trend considering their aspirations this season.
Salary Cap Constraints
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, was transparent about the financial hurdles that prevented Henry's acquisition. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. He elaborated on the financial intricacies involved, saying, "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 financial constraints come in the context of the Cowboys' strategic decisions regarding contract extensions for key players. The team opted to delay extensions for star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. This delay left the Cowboys with limited salary cap space, effectively closing the door on any high-profile acquisitions like Henry.
Existing Depth Chart and Performance Issues
Instead, the Cowboys are relying on their current depth chart, which includes running backs Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. However, this lineup has struggled to ignite the team's rushing game. The Cowboys ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season, and their efforts didn't improve in Week 3, where they managed a meager 51 yards on the ground.
Jones addressed the broader issues contributing to the team’s lack of rushing success. "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 explained. "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."
Looking Ahead
For the Ravens, Henry’s presence has solidified their running game, making them a more formidable opponent as the season progresses. His ability to dominate on the ground will be an asset as Baltimore seeks to improve their postseason standing.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys face the challenge of addressing their running game issues. With aspirations for a deep playoff run, finding a way to boost their ground offense is critical. The current roster has shown potential, but unlocking that potential is imperative for the Cowboys to remain competitive and achieve their goals this season.
As the season unfolds, the implications of these decisions will become clearer. Derrick Henry's path diverged from Dallas, but the ripple effects of that near-miss may be felt throughout the league. For now, both the Cowboys and the Ravens must navigate their respective challenges and opportunities, with the gridiron drama continuing to captivate fans and analysts alike.