Jerry Jones finally admits team ‘couldn’t afford’ Derrick Henry as RB produces stellar stats Ravens win over Cowboys
Jerry Jones, following the loss to the Ravens, was asked the reason for not signing Derrick Henry, and he replied because there wasn't enough money.
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Derrick Henry and Jerry Jones (Image via IMAGO)
Derrick Henry was close to becoming the Dallas Cowboys running back after his tenure with the Tennessee Titans ended. He held talks with owner Jerry Jones about a potential move, even setting up shop in Dallas.
That same Henry entered AT&T Stadium on Sunday night wearing a Baltimore Ravens jersey because Jones never replied to his calls. He paid the Cowboys back with interest. The multiple-time second-team all-pro went past the Cowboys defensive line 25 times for 151 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
The first of the veteran rusher’s couple of TDs came late in the first half after a handoff from Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for a 1-yard walk-in. He had to wait until the third quarter to record his second, as a 26-yard run into the Cowboys endzone gave the Ravens a 28-3 lead.
Cowboys fans must be tired of hearing Derrick Henry's name by nowpic.twitter.com/6V0zoEaxUY
— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) September 22, 2024
The Cowboys mounted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, putting up 19 points through a couple of touchdowns from Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin. Dak Prescott scored a rare rushing touchdown but eventually failed to close the gap. The Cowboys lost their second straight home game 25-28.
After the game, Jones spoke with the media about the Cowboys’ performance, and the one question that everyone wanted to ask was about Derrick Henry. Jones was questioned about whether he regrets not signing the two-time NFL rushing yards leader.
We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry.Jerry Jones replied, as per The Athletic‘s Jon Machota
The Cowboys brought back Ezekiel Elliott from New England, who had just 3 carries for 6 yards in the game.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked about upgrading the roster, he said he doesn’t think that’s an issue. “I like our personnel.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 22, 2024
Jones when asked specifically about not going after Derrick Henry in the offseason: “We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry.” pic.twitter.com/lkQPFjJX9a
Why couldn’t Jerry Jones afford Derrick Henry?
When FOX’s Colin Cowherd claimed that the Cowboys have one of the weakest running back cores, he wasn’t messing around. The irony is that Jones had the opportunity to answer the problem by signing Derrick Henry. However, he refused to pay him.
Jones offered him around $7.79 million annually, with a $9 million signing bonus. Henry wanted more, and his Ravens contract definitely proved that. After the Cowboys talks fell through, the 30-year-old rusher signed a two-year, $16 million contract.
Jones, on the other hand, gave Prescott a four-year $240 million extension and CeeDee Lamb $136 million. So he did have the money, but his priority wasn’t the running back slot.
Since then, Henry has started three games (including Sunday’s game against the Cowboys) and has rushed 56 times for 281 rushing yards (316 overall yards) for 4 touchdowns. He’s only behind the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley and the Saints’ Alvin Kamara, for the most yards gained in three games.
Up next, the Cowboys face divisional rivals the New York Giants, while the Ravens welcome the Buffalo Bills in Baltimore.
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Ishan Misra
(3023 Articles Published)