In a move that largely underscored their conservative strategy during the early stages of this year's free agency, the Dallas Cowboys chose to focus on measured, targeted additions while other teams made more headline-grabbing transactions.
Steady Additions in Free Agency
The most notable acquisition for the Cowboys was the signing of 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks. Despite his age, Kendricks brings a wealth of experience to a one-year deal valued at $3 million, with incentives potentially pushing the contract's value to $3.5 million. This strategic move fills the gap left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch, balancing the need for veteran leadership with financial prudence.
In addressing their running back situation, the Cowboys re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $1.255 million. Additionally, Ezekiel Elliott made his return to Dallas, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract that could increase to $3 million through incentives after the 2024 NFL Draft in late April. These moves reflect the team’s efforts to retain key players without overextending their salary cap.
Missed Opportunities and Cap Considerations
Despite persistent rumors, Derrick Henry will not be donning a Cowboys jersey. The star running back signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens at the onset of free agency in March. The deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed and could reach $20 million with incentives.
Henry, on the "Pivot" podcast, shed light on how close he actually came to joining Dallas. "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 remarked. However, he noted, "They never reached out, you know what I'm saying? ... They weren't really interested. It is what it is."
This sentiment was echoed by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who candidly admitted following the decision. "I like our personnel. We couldn't afford Derrick Henry." To emphasize the point, Jones reiterated, "We couldn't afford Derrick Henry," indicating monetary constraints played a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
Challenges and Performance Concerns
One of the key challenges facing the Cowboys is their underwhelming performance in the running game. With the team ranking 30th in the NFL in rushing, averaging just 73.7 yards per game, improvements are desperately needed. The running backs have collectively managed only 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, resulting in an average of 3.5 yards per carry. Additionally, the Cowboys rank near the bottom in rushing yards over expectation, surpassing only the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins.
In stark contrast, Derrick Henry has accumulated 281 rushing yards, ranking fifth in the NFL and cementing his reputation among the league's elite backs. Henry is also tied at the top for rushing touchdowns, having notched four to his name. With an average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation, his prowess serves as a reminder of what could have been for Dallas.
Looking to the Future
Despite the financial constraints and performance hurdles, Jerry Jones remains optimistic about the Cowboys' prospects. Proclaiming that Dallas would go "all in" for the 2024 season, Jones' commitment to improvement is clear. However, the decision to stay conservative in free agency will be closely scrutinized as the team ventures into the next season.
The Philadelphia Eagles, making waves of their own, signed Landon Dickerson to a lucrative deal, positioning him as the highest-paid offensive guard in the league in March. These aggressive maneuvers by competitors only heighten the pressure on the Cowboys to deliver results.
Ultimately, the Cowboys' cautious approach this offseason stands in sharp contrast to the aggressive tactics of other franchises. Whether this strategy will pay dividends remains to be seen, but the road ahead promises to test the resilience and tactical acumen of the Dallas front office.