Titans believe LB Kenneth Murray Jr. can take defense to another level

Kenneth Murray Jr. looked like a future star after his rookie season for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. The first-round pick started all 16 games and recorded 107 tackles, and looked like a potential franchise cornerstone.

Things began to trend downward in 2021, with Murray suffering an ankle injury that ruined his season. Over the next two seasons, Murray only missed two games but was far from a dominant presence on the Chargers defense.

Los Angeles declined Murray’s fifth-year option in 2023, and he’d have arguably his best NFL season. Murray tied a career-high with 107 tackles and also had three sacks and an interception. However, with the Chargers hiring a new coach, Murray would headed elsewhere.

Tennessee signed Murray to a two year deal worth $15.5 million contract in the offseason. If Murray becomes the player Tennessee believes he can be, that could prove to be a bargain.

What does Titans inside linebackers coach Frank Bush think Murray will bring to the defense?

“What we’re going to allow him to do is just turn himself loose within the system,” Frank Bush said via John Glennon of Nashville Post. “I mean, there are guys all around him, so that he doesn’t have to be a hero. You got Jeffery Simmons in front of you; you’re going to be okay. You can just be free to flow and do some of the things we do.”

Murray never played behind someone like Jeffery Simmons. When you add in massive rookie T’Vondre Sweat, Murray could have a career year. Remember, Murray is only 25 years old.

Murray is excited about his role with the Titans.

“Honestly, when you just know they’re putting you in a position to go down and just wreck stuff and wreck s–t, that’s what I love,” said Murray. “I definitely felt they put me in that position, and I’m definitely coming in with the mindset of trying to prove s–t. I’m trying to get s–t done. I love it. Love the way they’re calling it so far and look forward to getting better every day.”

The Titans made a lot of offseason changes, but Murray could prove to be one of GM Ran Carthon’s more shrewd additions.