The Dallas Cowboys are typically good for a big offseason splash every year, and one former NFL executive has an idea for an improvement that they could make once free agency begins — sign former Tennessee Titans star RB Derrick Henry.
Louis Riddick Implores Cowboys To Sign Derrick Henry
With the Titans, Henry has consistently been one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs for the last eight seasons. However, “King Henry” is up for a new contract, and it feels unlikely that he will return to Tennessee.
Former NFL running back Louis Riddick, who also spent time as an executive in the NFC East with the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, implored the Cowboys to sign Henry on ESPN’s Get Up.
.@LRiddickESPN wants to see Derrick Henry with the Cowboys 👀 pic.twitter.com/yiEK6poemk
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 6, 2024
“They need an attitude back,” Riddick said. “Derrick Henry brings an attitude and makes you change or check yours.”
Riddick explains that opposing teams always rise to the occasion to play their best football against the Cowboys, and they need to employ a running back with that same level of tenacity.
Last season, Tony Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards on 252 carries for six touchdowns in his first year as the primary back without Ezekiel Elliott. But after an impressive 12-5 season, the Cowboys were embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. In that loss, Pollard only rushed for 56 yards.
Like Henry, Pollard is also set to become a free agent, and it’s possible he signs elsewhere after five seasons in Dallas.
Even after that premature playoff exit, owner/general manager Jerry Jones elected to stick with Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys’ head coach moving forward. While Jones maintained continuity with the coaching staff, signing Henry in free agency is exactly the type of splash Dallas is expected to make every offseason.
This is a loaded running back free agency class, headlined by Saquon Barkley, who is still searching for that big-time payday. Other notable RBs set to hit free agency include Josh Jacobs, D’Andre Swift, Austin Ekeler, Alexander Mattison, and Gus Edwards.
KEEP READING: Could Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley Land in Philadelphia?
Henry is 30 years old and entering his ninth NFL season. Despite the mileage on his body, he was able to tally 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season, starting all 17 games. While he might not be as young as guys like Barkley and Jacobs, there should still be a market for Henry, who still appears to have plenty left in the tank.
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