In a strategic yet subdued approach to free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have opted to stand their ground amidst the more aggressive moves made by other NFL teams. The team maintained a conservative stance, exemplifying their strategy by making pivotal yet minimal additions to their roster.
Key Additions and Targeted Contracts
One of the most significant moves by the Cowboys was the signing of 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks. Kendricks, brought in to fill the void left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch, inked a one-year deal valued at $3 million. With potential incentives, the contract could reach up to $3.5 million. This signing highlights Dallas's focus on shoring up its defense with seasoned veterans.
Addressing their need at running back, Dallas re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $1.255 million. Moreover, Ezekiel Elliott made his return to the Cowboys on a one-year, $2 million contract, which has the potential to increase to $3 million through incentives. Elliott's return came after the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, indicating the Cowboys' intention to retain familiar backfield talent while navigating cap constraints.
The Derrick Henry Dynamic
The Cowboys found themselves at the center of speculation regarding star running back Derrick Henry, who ultimately 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 and, with incentives, could reach as high as $20 million. This contract structure highlights the financial obstacles Dallas faced in pursuing high-caliber free agents.
Henry himself commented on the situation during the "Pivot" podcast, stating, "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." Despite Henry's interest, his perception of the Cowboys' involvement was clear. "They never reached out, you know what I'm saying? ... They weren't really interested. It is what it is." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones affirmed this stance, explaining, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry," and emphasizing the team's financial limitations.
Financial Realities and Cap Challenges
The Cowboys face a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to the post-June 1 release designation of Ezekiel Elliott. This financial burden further underscores their cautious approach in free agency. Jerry Jones, reiterating the team's financial restraint, mentioned, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry" multiple times, consolidating the narrative that budgetary constraints significantly influenced their free agency decisions.
Performance Metrics and Positional Reviews
Positionally, the Cowboys have had a challenging season on the ground. They rank 30th in the NFL in rushing, with an average of just 73.7 yards per game. Their running backs have managed only 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging a meager 3.5 yards per carry. This performance has placed them among the league's bottom teams in terms of rushing efficiency, with Dallas being minus 74 rushing yards over expectation, ranking only above the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.
In contrast, Derrick Henry has thrived, accumulating 281 rushing yards, which ranks him fifth in the NFL. Henry is tied at the top for rushing touchdowns with four to his name, boasting an impressive average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation. These statistics firmly place him among the league's elite backs.
The issue of roster composition and financial strategy extends beyond just the running back position. In a separate move showcasing the varying financial priorities among NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles made Landon Dickerson the highest-paid offensive guard in March. These contrasting decisions highlight the broad spectrum of team strategies in free agency.
In the face of these challenges, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic, proclaiming that Dallas would be "all in" for the 2024 season. This declaration sets the stage for a year where the Cowboys aim to leverage their careful planning and strategic signings to make a significant impact despite the financial limitations that have influenced their recent moves.