Cowboys decline Derrick Henry pursuit due to salary cap issues
- Jerry Jones cited salary cap management as a key reason for not pursuing Derrick Henry during the offseason.
- He noted that Henry's fit in the Dallas Cowboys' offensive scheme would not have aligned, given their current struggles.
- Despite Henry's success with the Baltimore Ravens, Jones deflected criticism regarding the Cowboys' decision-making, emphasizing the need for improvement within the team.
On October 22, 2024, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, addressed the team's decision not to sign star running back Derrick Henry during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan. He stated that managing the salary cap was a principal motivation behind the decision, as the team anticipated future signings that would require financial flexibility. This decision was especially poignant given the Cowboys' current struggles, with a run game averaging only 77 yards per game, the lowest in the league. Jones also expressed skepticism about whether Henry would have thrived in the Cowboys' system, which he argued differed significantly from the offensive scheme used by the Baltimore Ravens, where Henry is currently enjoying success. He noted that while Henry has performed well, it may not have translated similarly in Dallas due to the team's offensive style. Additionally, Jones commented on recent criticisms made by former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman regarding the team's wide receivers. He described Aikman as credible and fair while suggesting that improvement is necessary and possible for the current players. The Cowboys sit at a 3-3 record after a bye week, indicating a need for strategic improvements. Overall, Jones's insights reflect the broader challenges faced by the team and the attempts to balance immediate performance with long-term planning in player management as they prepare for upcoming games.