New Faces At Linebacker For The Cowboys

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The Dallas Cowboys have added a pair of savvy, versatile linebackers—Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn—to bolster Matt Eberflus’s revamped defense, and early indicators suggest both could play pivotal roles in rejuvenating a unit that struggled to stop the run last season.

Kenneth Murray Jr. arrives via trade from the Tennessee Titans. A former first-round pick in 2020, Murray brings a solid track record: 416 career tackles and 8½ sacks over five seasons, including a team-leading 95-tackle, 3½-sack campaign in 2024 with Tennessee. He was also a team captain with the Titans, noted for his ability to lead on and off the field. Now with the Cowboys, he steps into DeMarvion Overshown’s weakside linebacker role, as Overshown continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Murray also brings the “green dot”—responsibility for play-calling and adjustments on defense. He’s been in that leadership role much of his career and appears comfortable orchestrating Eberflus’s scheme. Eberflus’s defenses have historically emphasized toughness, discipline and stout run defense—traits Murray is ready to embrace, describing the Cowboys’ system as “a great fit” for his strengths in downhill play and coverage.

Joining him is Jack Sanborn, who signed a one-year deal after three seasons in Chicago under Eberflus and linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi. Sanborn’s experience in Eberflus’s system is invaluable; he knows the expectations, terminology and physical demands. He brings positional flexibility—capable of playing middle or strongside linebacker—as well as special teams value.

Both players are expected to help address Dallas’s chronic run defense woes. The Cowboys have not ranked in the top 10 in run defense since 2018, finishing 29th last season. Sanborn highlights the emphasis on aggression, physicality, tackling, and forcing turnovers that Eberflus demands. He and Murray agree that the key to success lies in mentality, communication, and alignment—“not rocket science,” but essential fundamentals under this regime.

As of now, the linebacker unit looks deeper and more experienced. Alongside Murray and Sanborn are Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, and rotational weapon Shemar James. Still, questions remain: how quickly Murray and Sanborn acclimate despite limited preseason reps (Murray hasn’t played and Sanborn recorded just 21 snaps), and whether the group can deliver the physical identity Eberflus demands.

The new linebacker duo brings complementary skill sets: Murray as a vocal, downhill playmaker and scheme anchor; Sanborn as a savvy, system-tested connector with flexibility. Together, they embody the direction Eberflus wants—disciplined, communicative, run-first football designed to put opponents on their heels. Whether Dallas’s defense can rise remains to be seen, but these moves signal a clear intent to redefine the linebacker position as a strength this season.