Horseshit.
Or maybe true. If it's true, then ALL the power lifts are not necessary, including the squat. (Gasp!!!)
And the bench press. (Mega gasp!!!)
In fact, just about everything is unnecessary. All you need for good health is to go for a walk.
T-nation occasionally have good articles. Occasionally. Most of them are clickbait or a weak attempt to get into print with some half-true, or completely false, opinion. Almost all pimp their expensive supps. Remember, like the hallowed science publication arena, in the online fitness industry, if you don't publish, you perish.
The above linked article will go down real well with those who just want to "get fit" or "maintain" their gym activity. I guess it comes down to your goals, which the author mentioned in the final line of his article, that suggested that doing single leg work was more valuable.
A quick google search reveals this manifesto:
Strength Coach, Josh Henkin, has been a leader in the fitness and sports performance industry for the past 20 years. Coach Henkin began to develop his innovative Dynamic Variable Resistance Training™ (DVRT) in 2005. The success of Coach Henkin’s DVRT and Ultimate Sandbag™ program has allowed him the opportunity to lecture and write extensively in the variable resistance and functional based training.
Coach Henkin is a best-selling author, writing three books, as well as having published over 100 articles. His work has been seen in mainstream publications such as "Men’s Health", "Experience Life Magazine", "SWAT Magazine", "SHAPE Magazine", "Testosterone Magazine", and "The Crossfit Journal".
Obviously, he is aiming his business towards cross fitters and other less than "serious" trainers. In fact, his aim is to steer readers towards his "Dynamic Variable Resistance Training™ (DVRT)". $$$$$
I guess the question is, "Are deadlifts useful to the average Joe?". Well, something that quickly fires up every posterior muscle from the ankles to the upper neck plus forearms/grip, abs and inner core is very useful. Probably more so, and simpler, that throwing around a sand bag.
Or you can just go for a walk.
Oh. And another thing. Give it a week or so and you will see an article on T-nation promoting the exact opposite opinion. Publish or perish.