The Dallas Cowboys’ approach to free agency has been notably passive, particularly in the running back market. As teams scramble to bolster their rosters with top-tier talent, the Cowboys’ silence has been deafening, especially in the wake of Derrick Henry’s move to the Baltimore Ravens.
Derrick Henry Joins Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry, known affectionately as “King Henry” for his dominant eight-year reign over NFL defenses, has made waves with his recent signing—a two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens.
Despite his proven track record, including leading the NFL in several rushing categories since 2017, Henry’s free agency journey took a surprising turn when the Dallas Cowboys, a team that could have benefited from his services, notably did not reach out to him.
In an interview with Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio, Henry expressed a genuine interest in donning the Cowboys’ jersey, citing his offseason residence in Dallas and admiration for the organization. “That’s where I stay in the offseason… It would have been a great opportunity,” Henry remarked. Yet, the Cowboys’ front office remained quiet, a decision that has left fans and analysts puzzled.
Dallas Cowboys’ Silence
The Cowboys’ approach—or lack thereof—raises questions about their strategy entering the 2024 season. With the departure of Tony Pollard in free agency and no clear succession plan, Dallas’s inactivity seems at odds with team owner Jerry Jones’s assertion of going “all in” following a disappointing end to their 2023 campaign.
This inactivity has not gone unnoticed, drawing criticism from high-profile Cowboys fan and Fox Sports television personality Skip Bayless. Bayless’s frustration boiled over on social media, where he openly questioned the team’s commitment to strengthening their roster.
Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER casually became a topic of conversation at the TNT NBA Sports roundup pic.twitter.com/aqa4ASYshv
— I Choose Violence (@ourhermitage) March 15, 2024
The Costs of Caution
While the reluctance to engage in a bidding war for Henry, who turned 30 in January, could be seen as prudent given the typical decline in running back performance post-30, the Cowboys’ passive stance in free agency speaks to a larger trend.
Historical reluctance to splurge in the free agency market could be a strategic choice, but with imminent expensive contract negotiations for stars like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott’s looming salary cap hit, Dallas’s financial caution may come at the cost of immediate competitive edge.
Baltimore Ravens Gain: A New Dynamic Duo
Meanwhile, the Ravens’ acquisition of Henry is a testament to their ambition to build on their offensive strengths. Baltimore, which led the NFL in rushing yards per game in the 2023 season, adds Henry’s powerhouse running to an already potent offense spearheaded by 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
This “thunder-and-lightning” duo promises to make the Ravens’ ground game even more formidable, posing a significant challenge to defenses across the league.
As Henry prepares to adapt to the Ravens’ shotgun formations and potentially shift to more under-center plays, the NFL community will be keenly watching how this adjustment affects both his game and the Ravens’ offensive strategy. Will this new dynamic enhance the Ravens’ run game and offer a fresh challenge to their opponents? Only time will tell.
As the dust settles on this phase of free agency, the Cowboys’ decision to pass on Derrick Henry will remain a topic of debate. Whether this was a missed opportunity or a calculated risk to prioritize long-term financial stability over short-term gains is a question that will linger throughout the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, the Ravens look set to capitalize on their newest addition, potentially rewriting the narrative on how to successfully blend a mobile quarterback with a traditional power running game in today’s NFL.
Source: Fansided
