Derrick Henry doesn't mince words over Cowboys' lack of action in free agency: "Clearly they weren't interested"
In the offseason, veteran free-agent running back Derrick Henry was linked heavily with a move to the Dallas Cowboys, who were looking to replace Tony Pollard after he signed a three-year, $21.8 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.
However, the team stalled, and the four-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show," the host asked Henry what team he would have signed with had it not been for the Ravens. After some hesitation, he admitted that he was keen on eyeing a move to the Cowboys. Henry said:
"I live in Dallas and that's basically home and that made the most sense if the Ravens weren't interested because that's right there, but clearly they weren't interested and the Ravens were so it worked out the way it needed to."
The former Titans superstar claimed neither he nor his representatives reached out to the Cowboys, and waited for the team to make the move. However, once the Ravens reached out, he made up his mind to play alongside Lamar Jackson.
Why didn't the Cowboys sign Derrick Henry?
Following Tony Pollard's departure, the running back position was a major area of concern for the Cowboys. Derrick Henry was the top player available at the position and would have entertained a move to Dallas had the team made a concrete offer.
However, they did not offer him a deal and he signed with the Ravens. He made them regret the decision in Week 3 as he rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore's 28-25 win over Dallas.
After the game, reporters asked Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones why the team passed on a deal for the veteran running back. He said:
"We couldn't afford Derrick Henry. Why can't you buy a mansion when you live in a different kind of house? We couldn't afford it. We can't make that all fit. That's as simple as that."
The Cowboys handed out a four-year, $136 million extension to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and a four-year, $240 million extension to quarterback Dak Prescott.
The massive deals seemingly affected their ability to address the running back position and they settled for Ezekiel Elliott, who returned to the team on a one-year, $3 million contract.