The Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Kenneth Murray and a seventh-round draft choice in a trade with the Tennessee Titans, in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, in a deal that is drawing biting criticism.
Dallas is looking to add playmakers to a defense that was decimated by injuries last season and wilted down the stretch.
However, not everyone is convinced that Murray has the potential to be a difference-maker.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Cowboys a “C-” for the trade to acquire Murray.
“His numbers aren’t ideal, though,” Walder writes of Murray. “Murray’s 24% run stop win rate last season ranked fifth worst among off-ball linebackers with at least 300 snaps played. It was a career low for Murray, but he always has been below average in that category.
“He showed some pass-rushing skills in Tennessee, with 11 pass rush wins and a 28% pass rush win rate — a good figure for an off-ball linebacker. But that’s a small piece of what he does. His nearest defender coverage metrics are about average, but the run-stopping numbers are a red flag.”
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Nov 3, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) and safety Eric Murray (23) tackle Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Murray is due to make $7.5 million, a year removed from 95 total tackles with 3.5 sacks for the Titans, and may need to make a significant impact as a pass rusher to make the Cowboys’ commitment worthwhile. Especially after former Cowboys edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence departed to sign with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
The 26-year-old former first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has produced 416 total tackles with 8.5 sacks and three interceptions through the first five seasons of his career.
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Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) is brought down by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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