Kenneth Murray’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans looks like it’s set to come to a close after just one year. Reports indicate that the Titans have reached an agreement with the Dallas Cowboys that will see the former first-round linebacker make his way to Texas.
The details of the trade suggest a classic pick-swap arrangement; the Titans and Cowboys are expected to exchange late-round draft choices. As part of the deal, Dallas will absorb Murray’s two-year, $15.5 million contract, which includes a base salary of $5.99 million for the upcoming season—well above his 2024 paragraph 5 number. This structure appears to be beneficial for both teams, with Tennessee set to receive a sixth-round pick while sending a seventh-rounder to the Cowboys.
Murray hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations set by his early draft position, having struggled to carve out a firm role during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. The decision to decline his fifth-year option was an easy one for the Bolts, especially considering some inconsistent performances that saw him benched at times. Despite showing flashes of potential, the linebacker market remained open for him, especially during his one season in Tennessee, where he had supporters in the organization.
The Titans had already made moves to reshape their linebacker corps, signing Cody Barton in free agency and letting Jack Gibbens go un-tendered as a restricted free agent. Last year, they also parted ways with Azeez Al-Shaair after just one season. Nashville has been a turbulent place for linebackers lately, struggling to find continuity in this vital position.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys find themselves facing their own linebacker challenges. Pro Football Focus hasn’t been particularly generous with ratings for Murray, who despite a productive season last year, still finished as the third-worst full-time linebacker in their assessments. Last season, Murray, who was the 23rd overall pick in 2020, recorded 95 tackles (eight for loss), 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. However, despite his statistical output, PFF has ranked him outside the top 70 linebackers four times in his five seasons.
For the Cowboys, this trade represents a calculated gamble. They currently have Eric Kendricks unsigned—following a brief association with former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer—and find DeMarvion Overshown recovering from significant injury, leaving them in need of depth and reliability.
Interestingly, despite the Chargers having benched Murray in 2021, he managed to claim a starting role by his contract year, logging 93% of the defensive snaps for the Bolts. With his arrival in Dallas, he will likely see similar opportunities, especially as he embarks on his new role ahead of the 2025 season, providing the Cowboys with a chance to revitalize their defensive lineup.
