In what could have been a headline-grabbing move, Derrick Henry's transfer to the Dallas Cowboys was once closer to fruition than many would have imagined. During the offseason, the star running back spent time training in Dallas, igniting speculation about a possible shift that, ultimately, did not materialize.
Offseason Developments
This past offseason was a whirlwind for Henry. After eight productive years with the Tennessee Titans, Henry opted for a fresh start, signing a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. While Henry's move to Baltimore was a significant shift, some fans couldn't help but wonder what could have been if he had joined the Cowboys.
Debut Performance
Henry wasted no time showcasing his talent in his debut performance against the Cowboys. Rushing for an impressive 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns, Henry led the Ravens to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This game not only highlighted Henry’s prowess but also marked the Cowboys' second consecutive home loss—a point of concern for Dallas faithful.
Cowboys' Running Game Woes
The Cowboys' current roster includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, but their running game performance has been underwhelming. Ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season and managing a mere 51 yards on the ground in Week 3, there is a pressing need for improvement if they hope to stay competitive.
Salary Cap Constraints
The possibility of adding Henry to their ranks was not lost on Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones. However, salary cap constraints played a significant role in the decision-making process. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones candidly admitted. "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 team's decision to wait on extensions for key players such as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott further limited their financial flexibility. The front office's choices were scrutinized, but Jones defended the team's strategy and overall structure.
Beyond One Player
Jones also emphasized that the Cowboys' running game issues couldn't be pinned on the absence of 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. 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 explained.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to find ways to bolster their rushing attack to maintain their competitive edge. Meanwhile, Henry's presence has already begun to pay dividends for the Ravens, providing them with a formidable running game that promises to be a critical component of their offense moving forward.
Only time will tell how the Cowboys' decisions will play out in the long run. For now, fans are left to ponder what could have been if the stars had aligned differently, leading Derrick Henry to don the iconic star on his helmet.