Do these top veteran free agent running backs fit with the Cowboys?

Henry and the Cowboys will be somewhat linked forever. In the 2016 draft, Dallas had the option of selecting Jalen Ramsey with the fourth overall pick and then taking Henry in second round. However, the team decided to take Elliott at four and Cowboys fans have been comparing their careers ever since.

Now could be the time for Henry in Dallas and they’re currently one of the favorites to sign the bruising runner.

Updated Odds for #DerrickHenry next team? Via @DKSportsbook #Ravens +110#Cowboys +450#Dolphins +1000#Texans +1000#Titans +1000#Chargers +1100#Eagles +1200#Vikings +1500#Packers +1500#Raiders +2500 pic.twitter.com/g8FUhBH88r

— Dave Heilman (@DynastyDorks) February 25, 2024

There are good reasons to believe the veteran RB who led the league in rushing in back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020 might be an option. Henry’s rushed for over 1,500 yards in three of his last five years and has six straight seasons with double-digit touchdowns.

However, at 30-years old, Henry’s also at the point where RBs start to fall off the cliff. After a three-year run where he averaged over 5.1 yards a carry, Henry hasn’t top 4.4 ypc in the last three seasons.

He’s also led the league in carries in four of the last five years. The only season he didn’t was because of injury.

Another reason to question Henry’s fit with the Cowboys is his lack of receiving prowess. The former Tennessee Titan has topped out at 33 receptions in his career, a number every starting Cowboys RB has topped in the last six seasons. Henry’s averaged just over 19 catches a year in eight seasons, which isn’t good enough in Dallas.

Henry would be a nice fit for the Cowboys’ offense if they want to get back to their ground and pound ways. The two-time rushing champion can still make defenses pay and although he’s not as efficient as he once was, Henry’s still productive.

Dallas doesn’t feel like the right situation, though. Mike McCarthy wants to run the ball, but he also saw an offense that was much better when they threw it in 2023. Henry’s age and decline because of the wear and tear on his legs are other reasons to steer clear.

Good player, maybe not the best fit.