When news of Derrick Henry's potential move to the Dallas Cowboys began circulating, few realized just how close the iconic running back was to donning the star on his helmet.
Henry, the formidable rusher who has consistently ranked among the NFL's top backs, trains in Dallas during the offseason. This off-field connection added fuel to the rumors. However, in the end, it was the Baltimore Ravens who secured his talents with a two-year, $16 million deal after eight dominant seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
Derrick Henry's Impressive Debut
Henry wasted no time making an impact in his new colors. In a thrilling game against the Cowboys, Henry rushed for an astonishing 151 yards and scored two crucial touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a narrow 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This performance highlighted what the Cowboys missed out on and reinforced Henry's reputation as one of the league's elite running backs.
The Cowboys' Struggles in the Backfield
The Cowboys' decision to pass on Henry has put a spotlight on their current running back situation. Featuring names like Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn, Dallas boasts depth but has yet to find a solution to their early-season rushing woes. Ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks, the Cowboys managed a mere 51 yards on the ground in Week 3, further underscoring their struggles.
Team owner Jerry Jones publicly addressed the decision, pointing out the financial constraints that kept Henry out of a Cowboys jersey. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones admitted. He elaborated with a metaphor, "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."
Balancing the Books
The financial prudence exercised by Dallas was driven by the desire to maintain flexibility for extending key players. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott are both seeking new contracts, and the commitments to these cornerstones left the Cowboys with limited salary cap space. Jones commented on the broader context of the team’s performance, "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."
Looking Ahead for the Cowboys
As the season progresses, the Cowboys face a looming challenge. Addressing their running game issues will be crucial if they hope to stay competitive. Meanwhile, Derrick Henry's presence bolsters the Ravens, providing them with a formidably potent running game. For Dallas fans, the speculated acquisition of Henry remains a tantalizing "what if."
The Cowboys' strategy will likely continue to evolve as they balance their immediate needs with long-term roster stability. Securing extensions for Prescott and Lamb remains a priority, but solving their rushing inadequacies will be essential in climbing back to the top of the NFC standings.
As the adage in sports goes, sometimes the best moves are the ones you don't make. Time will tell if the Cowboys' decision to pass on Derrick Henry falls into that category or if it will be a missed opportunity that haunts their 2023 campaign.