In an NFL free agency period marked by significant moves from multiple teams, the Dallas Cowboys stuck to a more conservative approach. While others were making splashes, the Cowboys focused on strategic, lower-cost acquisitions tailored to their immediate needs.
Dallas Cowboys' Strategy
The biggest addition to the Cowboys’ roster was 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks, signed to a one-year deal valued at $3 million, with potential incentives pushing the total to $3.5 million. Kendricks was brought in to fill the void left by the retired Leighton Vander Esch. This move, reflective of the Cowboys’ strategic approach, emphasizes shoring up necessary positions without committing too heavily to long-term deals.
As the team aims to address its offensive shortcomings, particularly in the running game, they re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $1.255 million. Ezekiel Elliott also made his return to Dallas on a one-year, $2 million deal, which could rise to $3 million through incentives, post the 2024 NFL Draft held in late April.
Comparisons and Financial Constraints
The Cowboys’ financial prudence becomes more noticeable when juxtaposed with the major moves by other teams. Derrick Henry, a top-tier running back, signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens at the start of free agency in March. Henry’s deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed, with incentives potentially pushing the total to $20 million. Had Henry joined the Cowboys, it could have severely strained their financial flexibility.
"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," Derrick Henry remarked on the "Pivot" podcast, reflecting his ideal team placements. Confronted with these financial limitations, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones commented, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." This decision reflects a broader strategy balancing talent acquisition with financial sustainability, as Jones acknowledged, "I like our personnel. We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." Despite multiple declarations that Dallas would be "all in" for 2024, Henry’s addition proved financially unfeasible.
Performance Metrics and Challenges
Dallas faces significant challenges in their running game, ranking 30th in the NFL with an average of just 73.7 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys' running backs have managed only 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. This positions the team below most of the NFL, only slightly better than the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, with a figure of minus 74 rushing yards over expectation.
In contrast, Derrick Henry continues to establish his place among the NFL elite. With 281 rushing yards, fifth in the league rankings, and tied for the most rushing touchdowns with four, Henry provides stark contrast to the Cowboys’ struggles. His average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation illuminate the value he brings, making Jones' statement on affordability resonate even more.
Financial Implications and Positional Moves
Dallas also faces financial implications from roster adjustments, notably a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to the post-June 1 release designation of Ezekiel Elliott. This charge underscores the necessity for calculated financial planning in transitions and acquisitions.
In comparison, the Baltimore Ravens successfully structured Henry’s contract to benefit their cap situation. They managed to reduce Henry’s 2024 cap number to $2.595 million by extending the deal with three additional dummy years, showcasing a sophisticated approach to contract management that contrasts with the Cowboys’ immediate fiscal strategies. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles set a new standard by making Landon Dickerson the highest-paid offensive guard in the NFL, a move that further raises the stakes in the competitive landscape.
The Cowboys' conservative approach, while financially prudent, tests their competitive edge. Re-signing familiar faces like Dowdle and Elliott provides stability but highlights the broader strategic question: can a balanced budget yield a championship return? Only time will reveal whether Dallas' financial discretion will translate into on-field success.