The Miami Dolphins are looking to add a veteran linebacker to the roster ahead of a matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, August 28.
The Dolphins are working out linebacker Kenneth Murray, reports Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Murray started at middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys in all but one game last season.
Miami has an unsettled group at the linebacker position. The current depth chart features Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, and Trey Moore manning the three linebacker spots. Moore, a rookie out of the University of Texas, injured his ankle in the second game of the preseason against the New York Giants. Brooks and Dodson were both starters in Miami last season.
Miami Dolphins Roster Update: Free Agent Linebacker Kenneth Murray Working Out With Team
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Kenneth Murray Jr. #59 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a safety as Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Dallas acquired Murray in a trade with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2025 campaign. The Cowboys sent over a sixth-round pick and received a seventh-round selection in the deal. Tennessee signed Murray to a two-year, $15.5 million contract in 2024. He recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks in his lone year with the team.
The Cowboys handed Murray the starting middle linebacker spot. He’d played mostly outside linebacker in his career, including with the Titans in the previous season. Murray spearheaded a Dallas defense that ranked in the bottom 10 in rushing yards allowed per game. The unit allowed 30.1 points per game, the worst mark in the league.
Murray was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. The University of Oklahoma product immediately stepped into the starting right outside linebacker position for the Chargers. He started every game as a rookie. Murray was a regular on defense for the team through the first four years of his career. The Chargers chose not to pick up Murray’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2023 season.
Dolphins Look to Improve Defense With Veteran Additions
GettyFOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 03: Josh Uche #55 of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Miami has been active in the free-agent market this offseason to boost the defense. The team grabbed defensive end Joshua Uche away from the New England Patriots on a one-year, $1,402,500 deal. Former Baltimore Ravens defensive end David Ojabo also came aboard on a one-year deal. The Dolphins re-signed linebacker Willie Gay Jr. as a depth option.
The Dolphins were in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed per game last year. The defense allowed 24.9 points per game, the ninth-most in the league. Signing Murray would provide a worthy competitor to Dodson in camp. The move would also add some experience to a position group that currently has rookie Jacob Rodriguez as the top backup to Dodson.
Dolphins Pursuing Former Cowboys Starting Linebacker