The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent linebacker Kenneth Murray to mix reviews last offseason. It was previous general manager Ran Carthon who awarded Murray with a two-year contract worth $15.5 million following the expiration of his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Unsurprisingly, he continued to be an inconsistent player in Tennessee.
New Titans GM Mike Borgonzi has come in and quickly course-corrected that decision. Borgonzi is trading Murray to the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple reports. The Cowboys and Titans are expected to swap late-round draft picks in the deal.
Titans trade LB Kenneth Murray to Dallas Cowboys
Trading Murray isn't about receiving quality compensation. It's about creating financial savings while severing ties with an average player. The Titans will save nearly $8 million against the salary cap by trading Murray to Dallas, according to Over The Cap.
The veteran linebacker struggled mightily in Dennard Wilson's defense. The raw numbers were impressive, with Murray recording 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a defensive captain in 14 regular-season appearances. He often played through injury and earned the respect of his teammates and coaching staff.
Pro Football Focus assigned Murray a run-stopping grade of 35.0. His struggles to navigate clutter at the line of scrimmage were well documented. Murray was also a liability in coverage. The former Oklahoma Sooner allowed 40 receptions on 47 targets for 382 yards and an astounding six touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks completed 85.1% percent of the passes thrown in his direction, and enjoyed a passer rating of 131.3 on said attempts.
It appeared the Titans had a new off-ball linebacker pegged to start opposite Murray in 2025. Borgonzi signed free-agent Cody Barton to a three-year contract worth $21 million. With Murray now dealt to the Cowboys, Barton will be the veteran starter at linebacker, and the Titans have a hole next to him that may be filled by an in-house position battle, or another offseason signing.
The Titans have overseen a mass exodus at linebacker this week. Chance Campbell and Jack Gibbens were not offered contracts and are now allowed to sign elsewhere. Luke Gifford joined the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. The Titans did retain Otis Reese, who now becomes the current favorite to start opposite Barton. Wilson also has sophomores Cedric Gray and James Williams at the position, but they proved little as rookies.
Either way, trading Murray is addition by subtraction for the Titans' defense.