Derrick Henry in a Ravens uniform.
The Baltimore Ravens’ acquisition of running back Derrick Henry in free agency surprised few. However, the Dallas Cowboys’ apparent lack of interest in pursuing the star running back raised eyebrows around the league. Both the Ravens and Cowboys were widely considered the frontrunners to land Henry, as each team needed a significant boost to their running game.
Baltimore acted swiftly, securing the four-time Pro Bowler with a two-year contract. In a surprising turn of events, Dallas seemingly made no effort to acquire Henry.
“The Cowboys never called at all,” Henry stated during an interview on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio. “I don’t really know what’s going on over there.” This statement ignited speculation and fueled questions about the Cowboys’ offseason strategy.
Admittedly, the Cowboys faced financial constraints entering free agency. The team exceeded the salary cap, and even now, possess a mere $2.8 million in cap space. Signing Henry, with his expected high salary demands, might have been financially impossible.
While Dallas could have explored options to create more cap room, they also face looming contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, both scheduled for free agency next March. Balancing these financial considerations with the need for a top-tier running back presented a complex challenge.
The Cowboys’ inactivity in free agency disappointed fans, particularly after owner Jerry Jones declared the team would be “all in” this offseason. However, limited cap space restricted their ability to pursue high-profile free agents.
The Cowboys’ current running back situation remains uncertain. Following Tony Pollard’s departure to the Tennessee Titans, Deuce Vaughn is currently listed as the starting running back. The upcoming NFL Draft could provide an opportunity for Dallas to address this need.
Meanwhile, the Ravens anticipate a significant offensive upgrade with Derrick Henry leading their rushing attack. His powerful running style and proven track record promise to elevate the Ravens’ offense. The team’s proactive approach in free agency secured a valuable asset and addressed a key positional need.
