Of course, there’s always a chance, but if the Cowboys are serious about taking a different approach to their 2024 campaign and improving their professionalism and toughness on the field, there may be a free agent available who could do as much to strengthen the team in those areas as he can add talent to the field. Derrick Henry, a star running back for the Titans, is one of the all-time greats, so we’re talking about a serious combination of talent, toughness, and professionalism.
The Cowboys desperately need a bruising yard-chewer, and although Henry’s approach does not mesh well with coach Mike McCarthy’s “Texas Coast” strategy, experienced NFL analyst Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team named the “best fits” for Henry in free agency on Thursday. The Cowboys’ playoff performance under McCarthy suggests that the offense should adjust to fit guys such as Henry.
That would require, of course, that the Cowboys move off of running back Tony Pollard, the incumbent at running back. While there is a chance that Pollard could come back to Dallas, the team could use an upgrade after a disappointing 2023 in what was Pollard’s first chance as the Cowboys’ main back.
This season, Henry was selected for the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his previous five years.
With Henry, the Cowboys will have the best of all worlds as he is a grinder who can break a long run, get short gains when necessary, and play receiver out of the backfield.
“Best Chance to Win the Super Bowl”
In addition, Henry is available for a fair price—roughly equivalent to what the Cowboys gave Pollard this season. Pro Football Focus predicts Henry will sign a $20 million two-year contract, while Spotrac values his contract at $10.3 million for one year.
Henry said earlier in the offseason, in an appearance on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, that his priority is winning—but he is not looking to play for free, either.
