If there was no trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys could be a perfect landing site for a three-time Pro Bowl running back.
According to Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, a “hypothetical” move for the Cowboys would be trading for Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. Kenyon believes that Henry as a “change-of-pace” option for the Cowboys with Tony Pollard, paired with the Titans’ dreadful 4-7 record, would make a potential deal beneficial to both clubs.
“Can you see Derrick Henry as a change of pace?” That’s a roster situation worthy of Madden. “As the 4-7 Tennessee Titans inch closer to missing the playoffs, the soon-to-be 30-year-old is also approaching free agency,” Kenyon writes. “His contract voids following the season, and the Titans probably should move in a new direction.”
Why the Cowboys Could Use Derrick Henry
Given the Titans’ rebuilding strategy, Henry’s expiring contract, and the Cowboys’ lack of dominance in the run game with Tony Pollard as the starter running back, the proposal makes sense.
Pollard has been solid in his first season as a starting running back since Ezekiel Elliott’s departure, but he hasn’t been exceptional. Dallas is 12th in rushing yards and 11th in rushing touchdowns this season, after ranking ninth in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns previous season.
With 180 carries and 737 rushing yards this season, Pollard is averaging 4.1 yards per carry and 4.4 yards per touch. Those are excellent figures, but they represent a significant drop from the 5.2 yards per carry and 5.9 yards per touch he averaged as a supplementary back last season.
As Kenyon points out, acquiring Henry — who may help boost Dallas’ 17th-ranked red zone efficiency — would certainly go a long way toward increasing the efficiency of the Cowboys’ running game.
“Henry, on the other hand, remains effective, and the Dallas Cowboys could use a half-season boost.” “Henry’s greatest asset is his strength,” Kenyon writes. “Tony Pollard is a good back, but he’s not the same kind of short-yardage and red-zone threat that Henry has always been.” Add in Henry’s pass-blocking ability, and Dallas gains another component to its versatile, productive offense.”
How Cowboys Can Acquire Derrick Henry in Offseason
While the likelihood of the Cowboys signing Henry this season is already gone, Dallas might revisit the issue when he becomes a free agency in the offseason.
If the Cowboys decide to bring back Pollard, which is a possibility given his lackluster season, they may sign a veteran back like Henry to assist relieve Pollard’s workload.
The question is, what is Henry’s market value as a free agent?
Spotrac still expects the 29-year-old back to be worth $9.5 million per season over two years, for a total of $19.2 million. That would make Henry the league’s ninth-highest paid running back.
Given that the Cowboys are presently paying Pollard a little more than $10 million on the franchise tag this season, there’s no way Dallas would pay nearly $20 million on a devalued position like running back next season.
If Henry is prepared to accept a reduced contract in order to compete for a Super Bowl, the chance of him signing with the Cowboys becomes a viable option.
