Derrick Henry's near move to the Dallas Cowboys was closer than many initially believed. The elusive star running back, who spends his offseasons training in Dallas, ultimately signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens. This move followed an impressive eight-year tenure with the Tennessee Titans. He made his debut against the Cowboys in a memorable fashion, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns as the Ravens triumphed with a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This loss marked the Cowboys' second consecutive defeat at home.
The Cowboys' depth chart currently features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn. Despite this lineup, Dallas has struggled in the rushing department. The team ranked 25th in rushing during the first two weeks of the season and managed only 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. These lackluster statistics indicate an urgent need for improvement if the Cowboys are to remain competitive.
One of the obstacles preventing Dallas from making a serious bid for Henry was their salary cap situation. “We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry,” said the Cowboys' owner, Jerry Jones. He elaborated, “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 decision to hold off on extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott further constrained their financial flexibility.
Jerry Jones emphasized that the team’s struggles cannot be pinned solely on their 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.”
Derrick Henry's arrival in Baltimore has already started to bear fruit. His dynamic presence has invigorated the Ravens' running game, adding a new dimension to their offensive arsenal. Meanwhile, the Cowboys need to find ways to address their rushing deficiencies. As the season progresses, the absence of a robust running game could be a significant hurdle in their quest for success.
The narrative surrounding Henry's near-move to Dallas resonates with the delicate balancing act teams must perform. With the salary cap serving as a harsh but necessary equalizer, franchises are forced to make tough decisions that sometimes leave desirable options, such as acquiring a star player like Henry, off the table. The Cowboys' case exemplifies the complexities and intricacies of managing a top-level roster in the modern NFL.
As Henry continues to make waves in Baltimore, Cowboys fans can only speculate on what might have been. For now, their focus must be on the team’s existing roster and finding solutions within their current framework. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with strategic adjustments and perseverance, they aim to regain their footing and turn their season around.