Derrick Henry's Almost Move to Dallas: The Unseen Details
The rumor mill had it right to some extent: Derrick Henry's potential move to the Dallas Cowboys was more than just idle chatter. This offseason possibility lingered tantalizingly close to fruition, leaving fans to imagine what could have been. Henry, the prodigious running back known for his punishing running style, was evidently closer to donning the Cowboys' star than commonly believed.
Much of this stems from Henry's connection to Dallas, where he trains during the offseason. Yet, as the NFL season unfolded, Henry inked a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. This move ended an eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans, redirecting his talents away from Texas.
In a twist of fate, Henry's debut for the Ravens came against the Cowboys, where he delivered a standout performance: 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 28-25 Ravens victory at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys, already reeling from an earlier home loss, faced their second consecutive disappointment on home turf.
Speculation around Henry's possible landing in Dallas underscores the Cowboys' ongoing struggles in the running game. The team’s backfield currently features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, yet their ground game remains underwhelming. Ranking a dismal 25th in rushing through the season's initial two weeks and managing just 51 yards on the ground in Week 3, the Cowboys' run game clearly needs a spark.
The hiccup in acquiring Henry stemmed largely from financial constraints. As Cowboys owner Jerry Jones plainly stated, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." He elaborated further, drawing a metaphor to real estate, “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."
Jones's comments hint at deeper financial decisions within the organization. The Cowboys opted to delay extensions for pivotal players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott, a move that has left them with limited salary cap space. This financial juggling act is critical in maintaining a competitive roster but also prevents immediate enhancements like acquiring a player of Henry's caliber.
Addressing the team's rushing woes, Jones noted that the blame cannot simply be placed on the running backs. "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."
An astute observation from Jones, highlighting that the complexities of football require a multifaceted solution. With Henry now part of the Ravens, Baltimore benefits from his formidable presence in their backfield, hoping to strengthen their own playoff aspirations.
As the season progresses, the Cowboys must address their ground game shortcomings if they are to remain competitive in a fiercely challenging league. Solutions may come from within, requiring the offensive line to create more space and the passing game to relieve some pressure on the run. Alternatively, strategic player acquisitions or trades might provide the necessary boost.
In NFL terms, what nearly was and what now is often creates riveting storylines. Derrick Henry's close brush with Dallas remains one of the more intriguing narratives of the season, underlying the strategic and financial complexities that shape NFL rosters.
The Cowboys face a daunting task: overcoming their early-season setbacks while balancing financial prudence with the urgent need for on-field performance. The season holds many unknowns, but one thing is clear—adjustments are imperative for the Cowboys if they are to rise from their early struggles and make a serious playoff push.