Jerry Jones Gives Honest Take About Derrick Henry After Baltimore Ravens Beat Dallas Cowboys

Aug 24, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks to the media before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that his team was looking to win the championship this season, and running back Derrick Henry hinted during the offseason that he wanted to go to a team that could win the Super Bowl.

One would think based on those statements that the Cowboys would consider acquiring the “king” of running backs. Instead, Jones re-signed Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year contract, marking his second stint with the Cowboys. Derrick Henry, a former Tennessee Titan, signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Tony Pollard would take his place after leaving Dallas.

The Ravens beat the Cowboys 28-25 in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season, with Henry rushing down for 151 yards and scoring two touchdowns. After the loss, Jerry Jones was asked if he regretted not signing Henry. The Cowboys owners adamantly said he was happy with the roster he has right now.

USATSI 24266502 scaled — Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) removes grass from his helmet during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

When he was further pressed about Henry, he only replied, “We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry.”

USATSI 24070302 scaled — Aug 24, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks to the media before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Jerry Jones tried to sign Derrick Henry

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly wanted to sign running back Derrick Henry during the offseason. However, it wasn’t meant to be as “King Henry” went to the Baltimore Ravens instead, saying that it had always been his favored destination.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the former Tennessee Titan said that he thought he’d be in Baltimore last season.

“This is where I knew I wanted to be. I love the style, the physicality that they play with in all three phases. It’s my style of play as well. It was really a no-brainer, just trying to figure out the business side of things and glad we were able to get it figured out.”

Another reason Jerry Jones didn’t push through with acquiring Henry is that he also had three of his key players’ contract extensions to think about, which would eat into the salary cap. He had already renewed deals with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons pending renewal probably next year.

“The Cowboys never called at all,” Henry said in an interview with Adam Schein, confirming that Jones ultimately never reached out to him.

Cowboys fans probably know the business side of football, but they must be imagining what could have been if they got Derrick Henry on their team. He could have been a major player that the team needs to end their Super Bowl drought.

USATSI 22444413 scaled — Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC running back Derrick Henry (22) of the Tennessee Titans before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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