The Dallas Cowboys had a rough 2024 season, largely due to injuries across the roster, but especially because of the lack of offensive spark, even when Dak Prescott was healthy. Both the passing and running games struggled, and the solution was to bring in new players this offseason.
However, one analyst suggested that a more effective solution for the run game could have been made during the previous offseason, when Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley were both available on the market. Instead, the team opted not to pursue either and went into the season with Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott as their primary backs.
Colin Cowherd Rips Cowboys’ Decision To Pass on Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley
The last time the Cowboys played in a Super Bowl was in 1996, which was also their most recent championship. That year marked their last appearance in a conference title game, and for a team known as “America’s Team,” such a long absence from the spotlight is hard for fans to accept.
The reality is that no franchise faces as much pressure to deliver results as the Cowboys, and in 2024, it became clear the team needed more help on offense, especially in the running back room after Tony Pollard’s departure.
Yet, Dallas didn’t even make an attempt to sign Barkley or Henry, the top two backs on the market, and Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back his criticism of the front office.
“The Cowboys and Maseratis are that luxury brand that feel like they spend way too much time in the shop.”@colincowherd says the Cowboys are no longer an elite franchise. pic.twitter.com/Svr8tp3LXE
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 30, 2025
“The Cowboys had the worst running back room in the league, and they didn’t make a phone call? On Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley? And we were talking about this this morning. I’ve never owned a Maserati, but the Cowboys and Maseratis are that luxury brand that feel like they spend way too much time in the shop. And right now, I think it’s hard for people to wrap their brains around,” Cowherd said.
The Cowboys’ run game wasn’t exactly a disaster in 2024; Dowdle even surpassed 1,000 rushing yards. But both Barkley and Henry had historic seasons, with the Eagles’ running back earning Offensive Player of the Year honors and both backs eclipsing 2,000 scrimmage yards.
That contrast made things look worse for Dallas, and Cowherd’s criticism focused on the lack of logic behind the team’s decision-making. The Cowboys invest in players at the wrong time, take too long to pay stars like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, and end up stuck in the same limbo they’ve been in for the past 30 years.
“I think Dallas is a bottom quarter, bottom fifth NFL franchise. But because they’ve been such a luxury brand, it’s hard to wrap your brain around that. Like you think the Cowboys, and you think winning. But right now, I would argue, weakest head coach in the sport, and not a very good overall staff, because the weaker the coach, the weaker the staff he can assemble,” Cowherd added.
For this upcoming season, Dallas brought in three new running backs to build their committee. Javonte Williams was the favorite for the starting role, followed by Miles Sanders and the rookie Jaydon Blue. Meanwhile, Barkley and Henry got their new contracts this offseason and are expected to lead once again the hall of elite running backs throughout the season.