In a move that almost materialized, Derrick Henry was closer to donning the Dallas Cowboys jersey than many might have imagined. Known for his punishing style of play, the star running back has spent his offseasons training in Dallas, a fact that added credence to the trade rumors swirling around him.
Henry ultimately penned a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the fanbase of the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the first eight years of his career, in reflection. But what if things had turned out differently?
The Missed Opportunity
The Cowboys, grappling with issues in their running game, might have seen Henry as a panacea for their woes. Across the first two weeks of the current season, the team ranked a disappointing 25th in rushing. Their struggles culminated in a meager 51 yards on the ground in Week 3.
Jerry Jones, the outspoken owner of the Cowboys, candidly explained the situation: "We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry," Jones said. "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 Cowboys' focus on salary cap management played a significant role in their inability to secure Henry. Prioritizing extensions for key players like wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott left Dallas with limited financial flexibility.
A Shining Debut
Henry's debut for the Ravens was nothing short of spectacular. Going up against the same Cowboys who nearly acquired him, Henry rushed for an impressive 151 yards and two touchdowns, leading Baltimore to a 28-25 victory at AT&T Stadium. This performance compounded the Cowboys' misery, marking their second consecutive home loss.
Jones, reflecting on the team's struggling ground game, offered further insights: "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."
The Road Ahead for Dallas
The Cowboys' current depth chart features Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and Deuce Vaughn—names that have yet to solidify a robust ground attack. While each player brings their own style and strength, the team has yet to see them gel into a formidable rushing unit.
Meanwhile, Henry's presence in Baltimore has already begun to show dividends, giving the Ravens a formidable running game that opponents will have to prepare for carefully. The Ravens' offense is now notably more balanced, enhancing their overall competitiveness in a highly competitive AFC.
For the Cowboys, the challenge is clear: addressing their running game issues is paramount if they wish to remain competitive through the long grind of the season. The decision to forgo acquiring Henry, while financially prudent, has left a gap that must be filled internally or through future acquisitions.
As the season progresses, every rushing attempt, every yard gained, or lost will carry significant weight for the Cowboys. The missed opportunity to acquire Derrick Henry will resonate, especially when stacked against running-game deficits and narrow losses. Yet, in the landscape of professional sports, 'what-ifs' are often less significant than the actions taken to forge a path forward.