The Dallas Cowboys didn't want to spend $4 million on free agent Zack Moss. They didn't want to spent $7 million on their own Tony Pollard. They so didn't want to spend anything on DFW resident Derrick Henry that they didn't even bother to contact the two-time NFL rushing champ.
"Yeah, of course,'' Henry said when asked if he would've considered Dallas. "That's where I stay in the offseason. Kind of on the backend of my career, that's a great organization and it would've been a great opportunity. ...
"(But) the "The Cowboys never called at all.''
For the record, Henry's deal with the Baltimore Ravens is being billed as "two years and $16 million.'' But in reality, its structure makes it "one year and $9 million. (Not that the maybe-"Blow It Up!'' Cowboys cared either way.)
So ... now what?
The Dallas backfield is about to look a a lot different than it did in the 2023 season. Rico Dowdle is a free agent, which leaves on the roster at present up-and-down practice-squadder Malik Davis, fullback-ish 2023 rookie Hunter Luekpke, street free agent Snoop Conner and ...
Projected starter Deuce Vaughn?
Is this a joke? With all due respect to Vaughn, a sixth-round draft pick last year ... Yes. It is sort of a joke.
Not all fans seem to be in on it, so when this tweet popped up - "The Cowboys already have RB1 on their roster, why are you mad? DEUCE VAUGHN SZN," wrote Chat Sports' Tom Downey - it caught fire.
But Tom is teasing.
Vaughn appeared in seven games as a rookie but was not a factor after a fine preseason. The Cowboys wanted him on the roster in 2023 and the same can be true in 2024. But nobody here inside The Star is projecting the 5-6, 176-pounder to be an every-down back. Or, at this early stage, even to be the go-to guy as a third-down back, which figures as his likely NFL future.
The Cowboys have not hidden their intentions to use a pick in April's NFL Draft to find a starter at running back. And they continue to explore bargain options in free agency. Dowdle could be returning as well.
But for now? Cowboys Nation has to deal with the jokes ... which doesn't mean Cowboys Nation is exactly laughing.
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