Henry’s Near Move to the Cowboys and Impact on Dallas’ Season
In a scenario that perhaps grazed closer to reality than many fans realize, Derrick Henry nearly became a Dallas Cowboy. While the star running back made waves by signing a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, it could have been a different story altogether. During the offseason, Henry trained in Dallas, which ignited speculation about him joining the Cowboys.
Henry’s impact was immediate and substantial. He debuted against the Cowboys, rushing for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns in Baltimore’s 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys suffered their second consecutive home loss, an alarming start for a team with high aspirations this season.
Dallas has struggled significantly in the running game, ranking 25th in rushing over the first two weeks and managing only 51 yards on the ground in Week 3. The current depth chart featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn has yet to deliver the expected 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," Jerry Jones commented. "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."
Jones has cited financial constraints as a primary reason why Henry did not end up in Dallas. "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," he explained. "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." This straightforward revelation offers a window into the financial realities that sometimes dictate team decisions, regardless of desire or need.
The Cowboys’ decision to delay contract extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott also played a pivotal role in their tight salary cap situation. This wait-and-see approach left Dallas with limited options when it came to acquiring high-profile talent like Henry.
Meanwhile, Henry adds significant firepower to a Ravens' offense that was already formidable. His addition transforms Baltimore’s running game into one of the league’s most potent, presenting new challenges for defenses across the NFL. For the Cowboys, missing out on Henry has left them grappling with a less-effective ground game, which they will need to address as the season progresses.
The Cowboys have traditionally leaned on their running game to set a tone for their offense. However, without a consistent and explosive performer like Henry in the backfield, the team has struggled to maintain balance. The offensive line, once hailed as a cornerstone of the team's identity, has not reached its previous heights, contributing to their running game woes.
In essence, Henry’s potential move to Dallas and its ultimate collapse is not merely a financial anecdote but a significant turning point that could shape the fortunes of both franchises this season. As the Cowboys wade through these challenges, the ramifications of their decisions, both on and off the field, continue to be a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
The Cowboys must find ways to reignite their running game if they are to remain competitive. Whether it’s adjusting their offensive line strategies, diversifying their rushing tactics, or making a splash in an upcoming trade window, the road ahead requires deliberate and effective action.
For now, Dallas fans can only wonder about what might have been, while watching Henry excel in a Ravens uniform. Yet, the NFL season is long, and the Cowboys have shown resilience in the past. How they navigate this turbulent period will determine their success and shape the narrative of what promises to be a drama-filled season.