Cowboys named a ‘ideal option’ for estimated $20m Pro Bowler

admin | February 16, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

If the Cowboys want to improve their toughness and professionalism for the 2024 season, there may be a free agent who can provide as much support as talent on the field.

Derrick Henry, a legendary running back for the Tennessee Titans, exemplifies exceptional talent, professionalism, and toughness.

On Thursday, longtime NFL analyst Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team determined the “best fits” for Henry in free agency. While his approach does not mesh perfectly into coach Mike McCarthy’s “Texas Coast” offense, he is the kind of punishing yard-chewer that the Cowboys urgently need. Given the Cowboys’ postseason performance under McCarthy, the offense should adapt to players like Henry.

The Cowboys’ current running back, Tony Pollard, would need to be replaced. While Pollard may return to Dallas, the team might benefit from an upgrade after a dismal 2023 in Pollard’s first season as the Cowboys’ primary back.

Cowboys Could Play ‘Power Football’ With Derrick Henry.

According to Mosher, the Dallas Cowboys may not be the best fit for Henry on the field. Mike McCarthy’s approach relies heavily on short passes on early downs and is based on the shotgun. However, in this upcoming ‘all-in’ season, the Cowboys may need to return to playing power football. McCarthy is nearing the final year of his contract, and it’s evident the Cowboys are gearing up for one more run.”

Sure, Henry is thirty years old. That is considered archaic among NFL running backs. However, Henry has grown since his peak four years ago, in 2020, when he carried for 2,027 yards. He remained the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 1,167 yards and a league-high 280 carries. In addition, he has improved his pass-catching game, with 61 catches in the last two seasons after collecting 94 passes in his first six years in the NFL.

This season marks Henry’s fourth Pro Bowl appearance in the last five years.

That provides the Cowboys the best of both worlds in Henry: a grinder who can grab short gains when needed while also breaking long runs and operating as a receiver out of the backfield.

‘Best Shot at Winning the Super Bowl’

Furthermore, Henry may be gotten at a reasonable amount, similar to what the Cowboys paid Pollard this year. Spotrac estimates Henry’s contract at $10.3 million for one year, while Pro Football Focus predicts a two-year deal for $20 million.

Henry stated earlier this summer, during an appearance on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, that his top focus is winning—but he is not looking to play for free.

“I want to be somewhere that, whatever happens, gives me the best shot at winning the Super Bowl,” he added. “There is a business side. It needs to make sense. I’m not going to accept anything at the same time because the season is long and we put our bodies through a lot.

“But I definitely want to be on a roster that can go out there and put ourselves in position to win games and get in the playoffs and contend for a ring.”