Derrick Henry delivers another gut punch to Cowboys fans after Stefon Diggs trade

At this point, Dallas Cowboys fans just want the offseason to be over. While contenders like the Texans tip-toe around the salary cap to make win-now moves -- like trading for Stefon Diggs -- the Cowboys are blaming their cap and dead money situation as to why they haven't made upgrades.

The running back conversation remains a polarizing one. Household names like Derrick Henry and Aaron Jones were available for reasonable prices, but the Cowboys opted to bring back Rico Dowdle and are reportedly kicking the tires on aging vets Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

In the end, Henry inked a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with the Ravens. It's a fantastic get for Baltimore, but they weren't The King's first choice.

Appearing on "The Pivot" podcast this week, Henry admitted that in a perfect world he would've stayed home, but not in Tennessee with the Titans.

Derrick Henry wanted to sign with the Cowboys in free agency

"I knew once free agency started that I wanted to work something out [with the Ravens] if we could. Even though I'm living in Dallas and Dallas being a perfect situation, as well, because we lived there, we ain't got to move. But at the same time, Ravens, the history of it, and then talking to Ray (Lewis) at the Pro Bowl, his passion about the organization, his impact there and how he talked about it. 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."

Sure sounds like the Cowboys topped Henry's destination wishlist. Henry wouldn't have given Dallas a hometown discount, but he might have been flexible at the negotiation table if it meant not having to uproot his family.

Before free agency, signing Henry seemed very realistic. Not only did Henry stoke up rumors by working out in Dallas, but local radio host Jeff Cavanaugh of 97.1 The Freak revealed there was real smoke behind the Henry speculation after the RB purchased (another) home in the Dallas area.

It's commendable that the Cowboys have changed their philosophy of paying running backs, but signing Henry at $8 million per year to spark a lifeless rushing attack would have been good business. Despite entering his age-30 season and having over 2,000 carries on his tires, Henry is still among the best RBs in terms of yards after contact, missed tackles forced and explosive runs.

This obviously isn't fantasy football. Signing Henry and trading for Stefon Diggs was never realistic, but it's pretty damning that one of the top free agents regardless of position wanted to come to Dallas and the team didn't so much as pick up the phone to gauge his interest and market.

Instead, they want Ezekiel Elliott back probably because he's already costing them $6.04 million in dead money from his release last March.

This fan base deserves so much better.

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