Major blow for Dallas Cowboys as Derrick Henry decides future, agrees $16m deal

The Dallas Cowboys were dealt multiple blows early in the pursuit of a running back and on day two they suffered another one.

Jerry Jones stated an offseason priority was fixing the running game and America’s Team would go ‘all in’.

Cowboys’ fans and journalists assumed the franchise would attempt to land one of the top rushers in free agency. Oh how wrong were they.

No movement in Dallas

Nine running backs agreed on deals on Monday’s opening negotiation, and none were related to the Cowboys.

In the wake of the Green Bay Packers parting ways with Aaron Jones, Dez Bryant said they should pursue him.

On Tuesday, the Vikings landed the 29-year-old running back. Another option for the Cowboys off the table.

Finally, salt was rubbed in their wounds as Derrick Henry agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

The 2019 and 2020 NFL rushing leader who is dubbed ‘The King’, will be touching down in Maryland.

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports Henry has signed a $16 million two-year deal in Baltimore, which could rise to $20m.

The pool of running backs to begin free agency was stacked and the Cowboys were not short of options.

However, just over 24 hours later there are very few options left on the market.

Henry was one of the more elusive running backs on the market and produced 1,167 yards rushing behind an awful Tennessee Titans O-Line in 2023.

Sources have said the Cowboys have been uninterested in pursuing multiple running backs due to the price.

As a result, many running backs now have a new home and the Cowboys still ponder who will be their starter come the opening day.

One thing to note is that the New England Patriots have not opened talks with former Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott, as reported by Christopher Price.

Therefore, could Elliott make a daring return to Dallas? He is one of the few options left.

Ultimately, the Cowboys could be inclined to draft an explosive rookie.

All we know for now is the opportunities have come and gone for the Cowboys, what is the long-term plan?