Derrick Henry reveals extremely upsetting truth about Cowboys in free agency
By Jerry Trotta
The Dallas Cowboys have done well to overcome their sleep-walking start to free agency. After watching rivals push the envelope to bolster their rosters, the Cowboys countered with a splash signing of linebacker Eric Kendricks, who initially agreed to a one-year contract with the 49ers.
Less than 24 hours later, the Cowboys made noise again in the form of re-signing cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The former third-round pick was a catalyst for Dallas in the second half of the season and played out of his mind in the final three games to help the team steal the NFC East from the Eagles.
As encouraging as signing Kendricks and Lewis are, Tony Pollard's departure leaves the Cowboys in dire straits at running back. Given that Pollard was headed to Tennessee, it made all the sense for Dallas to pivot to Derrick Henry.
That dream seemingly perished the moment it was reported that Zack Moss' $4 million salary reached beyond Jerry Jones' comfort zone. The very next day, Henry agreed to join the Baltimore Ravens.
Now, Cowboys fans are left wondering if Dallas even made Henry an offer. Henry was asked this specific question on Mad Dog Sports Radio and confirmed our worst fears.
Derrick Henry claims the Cowboys never called before he signed with Ravens in free agency
"Not at all. I don't really know what's going on over there, but there wasn't any chance," Henry said when asked if the Cowboys showed any interest. "Baltimore had shown the most interest and I'm somewhere I wanted to be. I was glad that we got it done. But the Cowboys never called at all."
Honestly, is anyone surprised?
Henry signed a modest two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens. It includes a max value of $20 million and just $9 million guaranteed. The Cowboys didn't have the cap space to offer those terms when Henry signed, but they easily could have performed the necessary housekeeping to make it happen.
Even worse is that Henry's $8 million salary matches up with what Tony Pollard received from Tennessee and Dallas was reportedly in the mix to re-sign Pollard. Say what you will about paying running backs, but every starting-caliber option is off the board four days into free agency.
The best of the bunch -- yes, Henry is still better than Saquon Barkley, Aaron Jones, and Josh Jacobs -- was available for an affordable cost and the Cowboys didn't even kick the tires? We know Jerry Jones' all-in promise was hogwash, but not so much as calling Henry to gauge his market and asking price is franchise malpractice when you take a look at Dallas' current running back room.
It's not surprising, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. Signing Kendricks and re-signing Lewis are two savvy moves, but Henry's revelation throws a wet blanket on Dallas' recent free agency victories.