The Houston Texans are certainly in the market for linebacker help, and former Dallas Cowboys starter Kenneth Walker is officially on their radar.
“The #Texans hosted LB Kenneth Murray on a visit today,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported in a post on X on September 15, adding that “the former first-round pick started 16 games for the #Cowboys last season. Houston LB Henry To’oTo’o is expected to miss time with a shoulder injury.”
News spread quickly, with the Texans announcing that they placed To’oTo’o on injured reserve on Tuesday, too. Murray, who turns 28 in November, was a first-round pick, taken 23rd overall in the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Visit is ongoing for Murray. Could wind up signing in Houston.”
UPDATE: The Texans have officially signed Murray to their practice squad following a successful workout, per KPRC 2s Aaron Wilson.
“#Texans signing Kenneth Murray to practice squad, per a league source. Visit and MRI went well,” Wilson reported on X.
“Back at Elkins, Kenneth Murray was a blue-chip recruit to Oklahoma before becoming a first-round pick #Chargers. Now, he officially signed with hometown #Texans practice squad tonight after visit, clean MRI, physical, per source.”
Murray had interest from the New York Giants in July, but nothing materialized, which could ultimately be the Texans’ gain.
Murray has earned $28.4 million in his career and could prove a bargain at this point in the year.
Texans Target Ex-Chargers, Cowboys LB Kenneth Murray
Murray has 497 combined tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 recovery in his career. He tallied 81 total stops for the Cowboys in 2025, playing in all 17 regular-season contests.
The Texans are thin beyond To’oTo’o. Team captain and Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair remains in place on the depth chart.
However, third starter E.J. Speed is already on the PUP list and expected to miss the season.
The Texans signed former sixth-round draft pick Jamal Hill to their active roster from their practice squad to fill the void left by To’oTo’o. That left one on the practice squad, though, which the Texans, in turn, used to sign Murray.
How long Murray remains with the Texans is likely up to him.
If he picks up the scheme quickly, the Texans have already shown a willingness to throw new players into the fire. They also clearly need help after navigating so many injuries.
The Texans have veterans Jake Hansen and Jake Hummel, but both are key special teams contributors. They also have Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher, though they are both Day 3 rookie draft selections.
Texans Add $28 Million Former Cowboys Starting Linebacker in Roster Shake-Up