In a strategic maneuver consistent with their approach to this year's free agency, the Dallas Cowboys chose a conservative path while several NFL teams made bolder moves. The Cowboys' significant signing was 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks, secured on a one-year deal worth $3 million, potentially rising to $3.5 million with incentives. Kendricks is set to fill the gap left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch.
Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott Return
The Cowboys also addressed their running back needs by re-signing Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract valued at $1.255 million. Notably, Ezekiel Elliott returned to Dallas following the 2024 NFL Draft on a one-year, $2 million contract, which could escalate to $3 million through performance-based incentives.
Derrick Henry's Move to Baltimore
While the Cowboys made modest moves, Derrick Henry signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in March. Henry’s deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed and the potential to reach $20 million with additional incentives. Reflecting on his departure from Tennessee, Henry shared on the "Pivot" podcast, "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."
Henry further revealed that Dallas showed little interest in acquiring him. "They never reached out, you know what I'm saying? ... They weren't really interested. It is what it is," he commented. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones echoed this sentiment, stating, "I like our personnel. We couldn't afford Derrick Henry."
Financial Considerations and Strategic Decisions
Jones clarified the financial constraints, repeating, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." Nevertheless, he reassured fans by proclaiming that Dallas would be "all in" for the 2024 season. Despite these reassurances, the team’s financial challenges are evident, with the Cowboys facing a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to Elliott's post-June 1 release designation.
Offensive Performance and Ranking
On the field, Dallas has struggled to establish a dominant running game. The Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL in rushing, averaging a mere 73.7 yards per game. Their running backs have managed just 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. Additionally, the team is minus 74 rushing yards over expectation, ranking them only above the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.
In contrast, Henry is proving his worth in Baltimore, having accumulated 281 rushing yards, which ranks him fifth in the NFL. He is tied for the most rushing touchdowns with four and boasts an impressive average of 5.0 yards per carry. Henry’s 65 rushing yards over expectation further solidify his status among the league's elite backs.
Considerations Moving Forward
Reflecting on their choices, the Cowboys' deliberate approach in free agency and reliance on re-signing familiar faces like Dowdle and Elliott showcase their confidence in the current roster, despite apparent shortcomings in their running game. Meanwhile, other teams, most notably Baltimore with Henry and Philadelphia with Landon Dickerson, who became the highest-paid offensive guard in March, are making headline-grabbing moves.
The nuanced balancing acts of salary cap management and roster construction reflect broader strategic philosophies within the NFL. For Dallas, a measured approach this season might lay the groundwork for future success, as hinted by Jones’ forward-looking assertions. Only time will tell if this cautious strategy will translate into on-field victories and post-season success.