Polarizing Cowboys trade pickup hasn't played a snap and doubts are already piling up

The Dallas Cowboys didn't waste any time digging deep this offseason for cost-effective players on the defensive side of the ball. Losing Eric Kendricks in free agency and DeMarvion Overshown to injury prompted the Joneses to grab Kenneth Murray Jr. from the Tennessee Titans for basically pennies.

This move was not well-received by the Cowboys faithful. While Murray captained the Titans last season and has posted sparkling tackling numbers, he's been a woeful run defender throughout his career. He has the potential to make a big impact, but only if Matt Eberflus is able to harness some of his reckless habits.

Cowboys podcaster and film analysis Voch Lombardi does not envision Murray panning out. Lombardi thinks Murray could be out the door after the season. With Overshown and Marist Liufau locked in as the LB building blocks, it could mean that the Murray project will be short-lived.

"Kenneth Murray and (Jack) Sanborn are older, I don't anticipate them being a part of any future conversations," Lombardi said.

Kenneth Murray Jr. might be a one-year rental with the Cowboys

While the age factor isn't significant, Murray is entering his sixth year in the league. At some point, he'll have to remedy his penchant for misdiagnosing run schemes. Chargers fans said that for years before they let him walk as a free agent after the 2023 season.

Murray' seniority makes him a favorite to start in Week 1, but it's easy to envision a world in which he fizzles out.

After all, this will be Sanborn's fourth year working under Eberflus, who was his defensive coordinator with the Bears. Eberflus trusted Sanborn to quarterback his defense at times, and it stands to reason that trust hasn't diffused.

Furthermore, the Cowboys used a fourth-round pick on Shemar James in April and Eberflus could get creative with Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas, both of whom have experience as box safeties, until Overshown is cleared to return.

A former first-round pick of the Chargers, Murray will be a free agent after the season. The fact he only cost a sixth-round pick (it helps that he's on an expiring deal) suggests Dallas views him as a band-aid to its depth issues rather than a long-term fix.

Is it possible that Murray changes how he plays under Eberflus? Sure. He has the requisite athleticism to thrive as a three-down linebacker. But again, he is entering year six. If a linebacker whisperer like Eberlfus can't help Murray to turn it around, maybe no one can.