Where will the KING of a devalued RB market run to next?

We are witnessing an ALL-32 offensive to devalue one position

Barry Gipson
4 min readMar 5, 2024
Derrick Henry KING Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones RB Market NFL
Will Derrick Henry have to settle for less than a KING’s ransom during this free agency frenzy?

HEAVY IS THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN

As the NFL franchise tag deadline closed today it gives new meaning to “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” from the good book scripture. The fact that ZERO RBs were tagged says something. I’m not aware if it’s the value for the position overall in the league. Or if it’s more like an ALL-32 offensive effort to DEVALUE the market collectively.

Either way, the checks will shrink this free agency. I’m not here to try and convince you where the KING of this newly devalued market will land. The Cowboys have 2 of our own in Pollard and Dowdle entering the market along with Henry. I do want to share my thoughts on the matter. I think it’s no coincidence what we’re witnessing here.

A total of 8 Players were tagged today before the deadline. Two were WR’s, and the other 6 were on the defensive side of the ball. None named Chris Jones of the Chiefs. Zero running backs. Let that sink in for a minute. The Detroit Lions for 6 years now have yet to use a franchise tag. It’s trendy.

Only DeMarcus Lawrence (2018, 2019) and Dak Prescott (2020, 2021) have been tagged in consecutive seasons, and neither went on to play under the second tag. Are we witnessing a cancel franchise tag culture among ALL-32 currently? Pollard was tagged last year, but not this one.

Hunter Luepke Deuce Vaughn Rico Dowdle Tony Pollard RB Dallas Cowboys NFL
Who will “HAUL the damn BALL” for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024?

TEXAS TOAST OFFENSIVE

Reports are coming out that the Cowboys are not planning to spend big during this free agency. Let’s hear it. “We’re good with our guys.” Does it sound like a broken record yet? Additional reports are now surfacing that Jerral straight up lied to the world about going “ALL IN.” Unless he meant player contracts.

Could that mean Prescott is in line for a whopping $180 million over the next 3 years to extend? If so it will be the first ALL IN contract if I ever seen one. Setting the tone and trend to determine which of their Sons and Bastards they will retain. So eloquently shared by Boss Cowboy Sports.

With 16 total free agents currently on this roster we can only wonder who ends up elsewhere. Including 3 other teams in our very own division. We’re already replenishing the coaching ranks, why not players next? We won’t survive with our “Own Guys” should free agency peel players from our roster on March 13th.

The RB PRIZE according to the masses in free agency is the KING of Memphis. Where will he run to next during his thirties? The fact ZERO RBs were tagged shows you. When ALL-32 can get on the same sheet of music everyone will listen. It’s a different kind of time.

Tony Pollard 2022 Highlights during a different type of time.

THE OTHERS

In addition to Pollard, Dowdle, and the KING there are plenty of other free agents. With names like Josh Jacobs with the Raiders, Saquan Barkley with the Giants, Austin Eckler with the Chargers, and Deandre Swift of the Eagles. I doubt any of these names wear a Star on their helmet in 2024.

As for the KING whoever shall land his services may get the steal of this free agency frenzy. Considering no RB tags were given let’s watch the market sharing further while the KING searches for his ransom. Once he runs to another team that could set the market for those remaining in play.

Earlier this year we saw the RB market being tampered with by league owners. Especially between the Colts and the Chargers. What was done to both Eckler and Taylor respectively was uncalled for. Now we will watch ALL-32 operate under this newly devalued market.

New reader here? Be sure to follow me on Medium for more free agency and draft frenzy-like content. It’s going to be interesting to watch that's for sure. You know I’m here to personally “HAUL” it right to your smartphone. Will the KING have to settle for less than a RANSOM this free agency? Leave your thoughts below. I’m curious to read them.

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Barry Gipson
Barry Gipson

Written by Barry Gipson

I'm drafting my 9th Amazon ebook, "It's Our Year Until It Ain't!" The first social media calendar ever designed for Dallas Cowboys content creators. April 1ST!

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