In a calculated and conservative move reflective of their strategic approach throughout this year’s free agency, the Dallas Cowboys chose a cautious path while other NFL teams made significant splashes. The franchise’s most notable addition was the signing of seasoned linebacker Eric Kendricks, a 32-year-old veteran brought in to fill the void left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch. Kendricks' one-year deal, worth $3 million and potentially rising to $3.5 million with incentives, highlights the Cowboys' focus on calculated, short-term investments.
The Cowboys also addressed their running back needs by re-signing Rico Dowdle to a modest one-year contract worth $1.255 million. Additionally, Ezekiel Elliott returned to Dallas on a one-year, $2 million deal which could escalate to $3 million through performance-based incentives. This move came after the 2024 NFL Draft, reflecting the team’s measured approach to player acquisitions.
Derrick Henry’s Baltimore Venture
While Dallas exercised caution, Derrick Henry found a new home with the Baltimore Ravens. The star running back inked a two-year, $16 million contract at the start of free agency in March. Henry's contract, which includes $9 million fully guaranteed, holds the potential to reach $20 million with incentives. This significant signing underscores the Ravens' aggressive strategy to bolster their roster with top-tier talent.
Despite his desire to join the Cowboys, Henry acknowledged on the "Pivot" podcast, "I was like, man, if I'm not in Tennessee or I don't get to go to Dallas, I'd love to be a Raven." He added with a tinge of disappointment, "They never reached out, you know what I'm saying? ... They weren't really interested. It is what it is." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones candidly admitted, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." reiterating the team’s financial constraints.
Financial Implications and Rushing Struggles
The Cowboys' conservative spending is partly indebted to their financial landscape, facing a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to the post-June 1 release designation of Ezekiel Elliott. This fiscal caution contrasts sharply with the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to make Landon Dickerson the NFL’s highest-paid offensive guard in March, reflecting varied tactical approaches within the league.
On the field, Dallas’s rushing statistics this season are far from impressive. The team ranks 30th in the NFL, averaging a mere 73.7 rushing yards per game. Their running backs have collectively managed just 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging a paltry 3.5 yards per carry. The Cowboys trail significantly in rushing yards over expectation, only faring better than the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins with a minus 74 mark.
Conversely, Derrick Henry continues to shine among the league's elite. Ranking fifth in rushing yards with 281 yards, Henry is tied for the top spot in rushing touchdowns, boasting four scores to his name. His impressive average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation solidify his status as one of the league’s most formidable running backs.
A Look at What Could Have Been
Reflecting on what might have been, Jerry Jones declared that Dallas would be "all in" for the 2024 season, signaling potential future investments. Structuring a two-year, $14 million contract for Henry, for instance, could have reduced his 2024 cap number to $2.595 million by adding three dummy years. Despite the hypothetical scenarios, the Cowboys remain steadfast in their methodical approach.
As the NFL season progresses, the contrast between teams like the Cowboys and Ravens becomes even more stark. Dallas’s prudent financial strategies and conservative roster changes contrast with Baltimore’s aggressive, high-reward approach. Whether this distinction translates to on-field success remains to be seen, as both franchises navigate the complexities of team-building in pursuit of championship glory.