Cowboys Linebacker Shift Looms as Kenneth Murray Jr. Struggles, Logan Wilson Waiting in the Wings
After a tough 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Dallas Cowboys are facing some hard truths on the defensive side of the ball-particularly at linebacker. Kenneth Murray Jr., brought in to add veteran stability, hasn’t lived up to expectations. And now, with Logan Wilson waiting in the wings, it looks like change is finally on the table.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they paint a pretty clear picture. According to Pro Football Focus, Murray posted a 31.9 overall defensive grade against Detroit, including a rough 28.3 in pass coverage.
That’s not just a bad day-it’s a red flag. And while his run defense grade came in at a more respectable 73.3, the eye test told a different story.
Early in the game, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs made Murray look flat-footed in coverage, and that moment seemed to set the tone for what became another frustrating outing.
Cowboys fans have seen enough. The calls to give more snaps to Logan Wilson have grown louder each week-and now, it seems the coaching staff might finally be listening.
Team owner Jerry Jones confirmed on 105.3 The Fan that the Cowboys are considering a bigger role for Wilson moving forward. He framed it as part of the ongoing competition between the two linebackers, but make no mistake-this is more than just a rotation tweak. This could be a changing of the guard.
Why Wilson Over Murray? The Numbers Don’t Lie
Murray’s season-long grades are hard to ignore. Among 87 qualified linebackers, he ranks dead last in run defense (29.1) and near the bottom in coverage (46.0).
Opposing quarterbacks are completing 85% of their passes when targeting him, with a 120.0 passer rating and two touchdowns allowed. That’s the kind of production that gets you benched in December-especially on a team with playoff aspirations.
Enter Logan Wilson. While he hasn’t had a standout year himself, the Cowboys didn’t trade for him at the deadline just to keep him on the sidelines. And even in a down year, Wilson has shown flashes of the player he was in Cincinnati-instinctive, physical, and capable of making plays in space.
His PFF grades this season tell a mixed story:
- Overall defense: 51.2
- Pass rush: 84.7
- Run defense: 59.9
- Coverage: 43.2
Clearly, Wilson isn’t lighting up the stat sheet, but his pass rush grade stands out. And when you compare that to Murray’s across-the-board struggles, it’s easy to see why the Cowboys are leaning toward giving Wilson more opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Linebacker Room
If Wilson steps into a larger role and performs well, this could mark the end of the road for Murray in Dallas. He’s under contract through next season, but with younger options like DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, and rookie Shemar James already in the fold, the Cowboys are building for the future-and Murray may not be part of that vision.
Wilson, on the other hand, is under contract through 2027, with a potential out in 2026. That gives Dallas some flexibility, but also a reason to see what they’ve got. If he can stabilize the middle of the defense and bring some consistency to a position that’s been anything but, he could play a key role down the stretch-and beyond.
Bottom Line
The Cowboys are at a crossroads with their linebacker corps. Kenneth Murray Jr. has had his shot, and the results haven’t been good.
Now, Logan Wilson is getting his chance. And while he’s not a guaranteed fix, he represents something Murray hasn’t provided: upside.
With the playoffs looming and the defense still searching for answers, the Cowboys don’t have time to wait. It’s time to find out if Wilson can be part of the solution-or if linebacker remains a top priority heading into the offseason. Either way, expect to see a different look in the middle of that Dallas defense moving forward.