New Cowboys LB Kenneth Murray Jr. shares 2025 expectations

Dallas Cowboys' newest linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. discussed his mindset and what he hopes to bring to the team in 2025.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

When NFL players get the opportunity to return to their home state and play for the team they grew up watching, excitement is always felt.

New Dallas Cowboys linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. is now one of those players who gets to live that dream in 2025.

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On Wednesday, Murray Jr. was acquired by the team in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Dallas sent a sixth-round draft selection (188th overall) for the veteran linebacker and a seventh-round pick (239th overall).

Tennessee Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. celebrates an interception during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Missouri City, Texas native will now represent the team he grew up watching during his youth.

“It’s definitely great, I grew up watching the Cowboys,” Murray Jr. told DallasCowboys.com. "I'm excited to be here, I love being able to have that star on my helmet. I'm ready to go to work."

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The former 2020 first-round pick detailed what he plans to bring to a defense coordinated by a returning Matt Eberflus and what it will take for a unit that will look to replicate its 2021 to 2023 dominance.

"I just come to wreak havoc, come to bring my play style, play downhill, fly around to the ball," Murray Jr. said. "When I'm doing that, it's very special. I'm just trying to come in and be around a bunch of guys who want to win and just win some games."

"Physicality is something that is extremely important in this game," Murray Jr. added. "I think for us it's going to be definitely a staple of what we're about, talking to [Matt Eberflus] and [Dave Borgonzi], everybody around, it's definitely been exciting seeing what we're going to be able to do."

Kenneth Murray is a firecracker off the snap. He has nice speed and doesn't hesitate. He's more of a finesse shedder than a physical one, so he'll get washed out when blockers square up on him, but he has enough athleticism to make plays. Good move by the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/4rMPyqMd1j

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) March 13, 2025

Now entering his sixth season, Murray Jr. is looking to come in and embrace the role of being a leader on defense while filling in the shoes of former All-Pro and last year's leader in tackles for the Cowboys in Eric Kendricks who is now a free agent.

"I'm looking to be the dude, the guy in the middle running everything and just doing what I do best," Murray Jr. said. "I feel like that's when I'm at my best, when I'm in the middle of everything running the show and just flying around and making plays."

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Speaking of Kendricks, the two were teammates with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Murray Jr. credits the long time defender with helping shape his development.

"Learned a lot from him about the ins and outs of the game, how to be a pro, little intricacies that you only get from guys that have been around for a long time," Murray Jr. said. "He's a hell of a dude."

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. intercepts a pass from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) late during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. / Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The 6-foot-2, 241-pound linebacker will join a group that features All-Pro Micah Parsons, last year's promising rookie Marist Liufau, and a hopeful DeMarvion Overshown, who the Cowboys hope to see a speedy recovery from.

"We got some dudes that can go," Murray said. "We're just looking to get this thing rolling and just get to flying around to the ball and wreaking havoc."

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