In what could have been one of the most intriguing moves of the NFL offseason, Derrick Henry's potential transfer to the Dallas Cowboys seemed more plausible than many initially believed. Although the star running back trains in Dallas during the offseason, the stars didn’t align for him to join the Cowboys. Instead, Henry inked a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens after an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
Henry's recent debut performance against the Cowboys underscored his enduring prowess, as he rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns, propelling Baltimore to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This game marked the Cowboys' second consecutive defeat at home, further highlighting their ongoing struggles.
Offseason Decisions and Cap Constraints
The Cowboys' decision-making in the offseason played a pivotal role in Henry not donning the star on his helmet. With Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn already on their depth chart, Dallas appeared to have a solid running back core on paper. However, their performance has been less than stellar; the Cowboys ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season and managed a mere 51 yards on the ground in their Week 3 game.
Financial limitations also significantly contributed to this missed opportunity. Team owner Jerry Jones was candid about the challenges posed by the salary cap. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated. "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."
Broader Challenges in the Cowboys' Running Game
The Cowboys' inability to secure Henry reflects broader issues within the team’s running game. Jones was quick to dispel any notion that the team's rushing woes could be attributed to the running backs alone. "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," Jones 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."
This comprehensive approach to the team's struggles suggests that a silver bullet solution, even one as formidable as Derrick Henry, would not have been a panacea. As Jones quipped, "This wouldn't be solved with just jumping over there and getting [Hall of Famer] Jimmy Brown."
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
For the Ravens, Henry’s arrival injects their offense with a potent weapon, bolstering a running game that already posed significant challenges for opposing defenses. His presence on the field promises to be a game-changer as the season progresses, adding another layer of complexity for teams preparing to face Baltimore.
On the other hand, the Cowboys must grapple with their limitations and devise strategies to improve their ground game. With crucial players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott still awaiting contract extensions, Dallas faces a juggling act of balancing cap space while striving to remain competitive.
Ultimately, the ripple effects of Henry’s near-transfer to Dallas serve as a revealing case study in the intricate web of financial strategizing, roster management, and performance metrics that define modern NFL franchises. As both teams forge their paths through the remainder of the season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which strategies yield the most success.