Money speaks volumes in professional sports so when the Dallas Cowboys added former first-round pick Kenneth Murray over the offseason, the front office’s actions spoke quite loudly. Not only did the trade involve a pick swap in the NFL draft, but it pushed $7,410,000 onto the Cowboys salary cap ledger. The amount not only makes Murray the highest paid linebacker on Dallas’ roster, but it also inevitably comes with significant snap expectations.
The Cowboys are in a state of flux at linebacker. Budding superstar DeMarvion Overshown is rehabbing from a late season injury, and second-year standout Marist Liufau is still learning the ins and outs of the NFL. The LB situation demanded a bridge year, and a bridge year is exactly what the Cowboys found when they brought in Murray and veteran free agent Jack Sanborn.
It should be no surprise Sanborn and Murray have been getting starting reps in offseason camps, and it should be no surprise to see that continue through training camp and into the regular season. Given the trade compensation and dollar figure, Murray might even log the most snaps out of the entire LB room in 2025.
Kenneth Murray was one of the elite college linebackers… 🥶
Have OU fans given him the respect he deserves over the past years? 👀
Was he top 3⃣ linebackers of all time at OU.
✔️ 335 tackles
✔️ 37.0 tackles for a loss
✔️ Started all 42 of his career games 😲#OUDNA… pic.twitter.com/Sxa1UKuzpl— Red Dirt Media (@RedDirtMediaCo) July 31, 2023
The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Oklahoma standout was once the 23rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He’s shown those pedigreed traits throughout his five-year career and hopes to continue that in Dallas under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus’s track record with LBs is impressive and there’s hope he fixes the processing mistakes that have held Murray back. Murray is a well-prepared and high-character player. It’s a big reason he was brought in and a contributing factor as to why he’s been seen wearing the green dot on his helmet. It’s after the snap where things tend to go poorly for Murray. Over pursuit and slow processing have made him a true “if only” story in the NFL.
presented without comment pic.twitter.com/o46oLb4KQA
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) March 13, 2025
Murray’s film leaves something to be desired making him a curious addition given his dollar amount. But money talks and the amount of money the Cowboys are willing to pay Murray speaks volumes. They expect him to play. Probably even start. The move was likely endorsed by Eberflus since LBs are his specialty and he’s ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the defense.
This could be a fun storyline to follow in training camp. It’s an immensely talented player trying to put it all together under the leadership of a highly successful coach. Based on the money involved the Cowboys seem to be betting on it all working out.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys LB Kenneth Murray costs too much to play like he has been