Dallas Cowboys' Conservative Strategy Continues Through Free Agency
The Dallas Cowboys, known for their cautious approach in recent free agency periods, stuck to their strategy this year, opting for measured moves while other franchises made more aggressive plays. The most significant addition to their roster was the acquisition of veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks. The 32-year-old Kendricks signed a one-year deal for $3 million, with incentives that could push the contract's value up to $3.5 million. Kendricks was brought in to fill the void left by the retiring Leighton Vander Esch.
Addressing their needs at running back, the Cowboys re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract worth $1.255 million. In another notable move, Ezekiel Elliott returned to Dallas after the 2024 NFL Draft in late April, on a one-year contract valued at $2 million, which has the potential to increase to $3 million through incentives. Despite this re-signing, the Cowboys face a $6.04 million cap charge in 2024 due to the post-June 1 release designation of Elliott.
Dallas ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing, with an average of just 73.7 yards per game. Their running backs have managed only 170 yards and one touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The team is minus 74 rushing yards over expectation, ranking only above the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. These statistics underscore the critical need for improvement in their ground game.
Meanwhile, Derrick Henry, who had expressed a preference for either returning to Tennessee or playing for Dallas, ultimately signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens at the start of free agency in March. His deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed and can reach up to $20 million with incentives. “I was like, man, if I'm not in Tennessee or I don't get to go to Dallas, I'd love to be a Raven,” Henry remarked on the "Pivot" podcast. It appears the Cowboys were unable to secure his talents due to financial constraints. Henry noted, “They never reached out, you know what I'm saying? ... They weren't really interested. It is what it is.”
Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones addressed the situation candidly. "I like our personnel. We couldn't afford Derrick Henry," Jones stated. He reiterated this sentiment multiple times, emphasizing the team’s budgetary limitations. Despite not landing Henry, Jerry Jones proclaimed that Dallas would be "all in" for the 2024 season, signaling a commitment to pursue success within the team’s financial means.
In stark contrast, Henry has had a stellar season with the Ravens. With 281 rushing yards, he ranks fifth in the NFL and is tied for the most rushing touchdowns, with four to his name. Henry’s average of 5.0 yards per carry and 65 rushing yards over expectation places him among the league's elite backs. These performances highlight the potential boost he could have provided to Dallas’ struggling rushing attack.
The Cowboys' conservative strategy stands out when juxtaposed with the aggressive moves made by other teams within the league. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant splash by making Landon Dickerson the NFL’s highest-paid offensive guard in March. This type of proactive approach has been notably absent from Dallas’ free agency maneuvers, which raises questions about their competitiveness in an increasingly aggressive NFL landscape.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys have made calculated moves to address key positions while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Although their current performance metrics may not be encouraging, the team’s management appears committed to a longer-term vision of sustainable success. Cowboys fans will be eagerly watching to see if this cautious approach can translate into tangible results on the field.
With Jerry Jones’ declaration of being "all in" for the upcoming season, only time will tell if Dallas' conservative free agency strategy will pay dividends in their quest for NFL supremacy.