FRISCO — The initial stages of free agency saw the Dallas Cowboys make one of the key moves thus far in resigning Osa Odighizuwa. That move reaffirmed their commitment to the defensive interior.
Days later, the Cowboys saw veteran defensive leader DeMarcus Lawrence end his tenure at The Star, moving on from the team to sign with the Seattle Seahawks. Regardless of the fallout from his comments after the move, it meant a major loss for this defense.
Granted, there is talent aplenty still visible on this squad. Micah Parsons headlines that group along with Odighizuwa, DaRon Bland and others. But Lawrence's loss signals a changing of the guard in terms of the on-field defensive leadership.
Being the most vocal of the bunch, Parsons assumes much of that responsibility. The young star has morphed into the dominant alpha on that side and with several years under his belt, it seems the rest of the locker room will be falling in rank from there.
But Dallas has not been ignorant to the need for more of that veteran presence, especially in the middle of the defense. Parsons may be classified by some as a linebacker though his usage and talents far exceed any such label.
The Cowboys are also thin at linebacker, returning only Marist Liufau and DeMarvion Overshown as significant contributors from last year's squad.
That meant the trade for Kenneth Murray Jr. would benefit in multiple ways. Dallas adds to their depth in the middle while gaining some experience that departed in the offseason.
Nonetheless, it has become abundantly clear that Murray understands his role with the Cowboys, comparing himself to a "traffic cop."
"I kind of feel like I'll be like that traffic cop in the middle of the street, just trying to get everybody lined up, make sure everybody knows what's coming or making sure we're in the right check and stuff like that," Murray said. "That was kind of my role in Tennessee and I plan to be that same thing here."
Murray spent four years with the Los Angeles Chargers before his stint with the Titans, amassing 95 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 14 games a season ago.
Eric Kendricks shouldered much of the veteran load last season and the burden became greater when Overshown suffered a season-ending injury. His status is unknown for next season, but having players like Murray who now have experience at the command of the defense provides some early relief for Dallas.
The "traffic cop" may have his hands full joining a new team led by a new defensive coordinator and playing with some big personalities. Regardless, his skillset should have an impact on this defense from the jump.
