Derrick Henry: It would have been ‘perfect’ to sign with the Dallas Cowboys
Derrick Henry was hoping to sign a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys, but the organization chose not to pursue him.
The Dallas Cowboys and Derrick Henry appeared to be a match made in heaven, but like with many such pairings in the past, it was not meant to be.
The Cowboys were among the several clubs reportedly interested in signing the two-time NFL rushing champion, who was one of the biggest names available as a free agent this offseason. Nevertheless, those rumors were unfounded because Henry signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens and the Cowboys are said to have never even given him a call during his availability.
Henry, a Dallas native, was disappointed by the Cowboys’ lack of enthusiasm. Henry went so far as to say that signing with the Cowboys would have been a “perfect situation” for him during an appearance on The Pivot podcast last week.
“I knew that once free agency started, I wanted to work something out [with the Ravens] if we could,”Henry said. “Even though I’m living in Dallas and Dallas being a perfect situation as well because we lived there and wouldn’t have to move.”
The Cowboys desperately needed a running back after Tony Pollard (who, strangely, signed with the Tennessee Titans to replace Henry) left. Henry would have been a great addition to the team. Securing a spot at running back for this season would have required landing a four-time Pro Bowl selection—and one who once racked up over 2,000 yards in a single season.
Henry remains really thrilled to have signed in Baltimore, where he should have an opportunity to earn a Super Bowl ring, even though his initial disappointment at not getting picked by Dallas hasn’t diminished.
“I’m happy I’m going somewhere where they’re hungry for it and they’re right on the cusp,” Henry said. “They’re attempting to prevail. Let’s get started because I know they’re hungry and will approach the game with the proper attitude after coming up short against Kansas City.”
