The Tennessee Titans' decision to sign linebacker Kenneth Murray to a two-year contract worth $15.5 million in free agency was initially met with negative reviews. The defense had a sizable need at the position and Murray was a player that failed to meet expectations as a first-round pick with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Fast forward to the training camp period of the offseason and most Titans fans were convinced that Murray would be a quality addition to Dennard Wilson's aggressive unit. Murray routinely earned praise from head coach Brian Callahan and Wilson during the summer workout program and the preseason. The Titans routinely referred to him as a leader on defense.
Well, it turns out Titans fans had every reason to be skeptical.
Kenneth Murray is really struggling
One of Murray's weaknesses with the Chargers was his ability (or lack thereof) to defend the pass. It has not improved in Tennessee. In Sunday's controversial Week 11 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, Murray was credited by Pro Football Focus with allowing three receptions on three targets for 32 yards and one touchdown. It was his second consecutive game having allowed a TD in coverage after the Chargers routinely identified him as a weakness in coverage in Week 10.
Murray has allowed three touchdown receptions in Tennessee's last four games. Overall, Sunday's score was his sixth touchdown allowed in coverage this season, highest among all NFL linebackers. No other LB has allowed more than three TD catches, per PFF's data.
Not only is Murray allowing touchdowns at an alarming rate, but he's not forcing any incompletions either. He's been tagged with forfeiting 35 receptions on 38 targets this season. Murray's 92.1% completion percentage allowed is second-worst among all linebackers that have seen at least 25 targets thrown their way, trailing just Dallas' DeMarvion Overshown for the league-worst mark (34-of-36, 94.4 percent).
Murray has allowed an explosive passing play (20-plus yards) in four of 10 games. He's not recorded a single pass breakup, and opposing quarterbacks are enjoying a passer rating of 142.2 when targeting him. He's been a big-time weakness in coverage for a Titans defense that unfortunately lacks a specialty coverage linebacker.
The Titans could technically release Murray from his contract in the offseason. General manager Ran Carthon could save roughly $7.5 million against the 2025 cap by admitting his mistake, according to OverTheCap. Or the Titans could acquire a passing-down linebacker and ask Murray to be a run-stopping linebacker. Either way, changes are required.
