Kenneth Murray Jr.

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		90	497	9.5	3
2025		17	81	1.0	0
2024		14	95	3.5	1
2023		15	107

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Kenneth Murray Jr.'s $0.8M AAV deal represents an absolute steal for whichever team signs the former second-round pick. Despite being labeled a serviceable starter, Murray's production tier far exceeds what you'd expect from a sub-million dollar linebacker in today's market, earning this contract an A+ CVI rating. At just 26 years old, Murray still has untapped upside after flashing defensive playmaking ability during his Chargers tenure, making this a classic "buy low on talent" scenario that contending teams should aggressively pursue. The $7.5M guaranteed suggests a multi-year structure that provides security for Murray while giving his new team incredible salary cap flexibility to build around him. This is the type of value signing that championship rosters are built on — getting above-average starter production at backup money allows teams to allocate premium resources to skill positions and pass rushers. Any franchise that lands Murray at this price point is getting elite value that could prove pivotal in their defensive depth chart.

Performance Analysis

Kenneth Murray Jr. earns a C- grade as a veteran linebacker whose career has been a lesson in recalibrated expectations. The former Chargers first-round pick never reached the dominant level his draft position suggested, but he's settled into a competent NFL starter who contributes in multiple phases. Murray's athleticism and tackling ability keep him employed, even if the coverage and instinctive play haven't matched the physical tools. Being a free agent at this stage means teams know exactly what they're getting — a solid if unspectacular starting linebacker. He won't win you a game, but he can hold down the position without being a liability.

Current Sentiment

Kenneth Murray Jr. faces a brutal reality check entering 2026 free agency, with his Contract Value Index (CVI) earning an F grade that reflects the harsh media narrative surrounding his disappointing tenure. The former first-round pick has become a cautionary tale, with Dallas media outlets essentially writing his obituary after the Cowboys reportedly gave up on the veteran linebacker, describing his potential departure as "a relief" for the franchise. Murray's modest 9.5 career sacks over six seasons tell the story of a player who never lived up to his draft pedigree, first disappointing the Chargers and now wearing out his welcome in Dallas. The overwhelmingly negative coverage suggests teams view him as a replacement-level talent at this stage, with analysts questioning whether he can even secure a roster spot without accepting a significantly reduced role. His F-grade sentiment reflects a player whose reputation has been thoroughly damaged by consistent underperformance, making him one of the least desirable linebacker options in what promises to be a challenging free agency period.