Several prominent names departed the LA Chargers over the offseason, some of which fans did not want to see go. Kenneth Murray was not one of those exceptions, as Chargers fans could not wait to see the team bring in new linebackers to replace him.
Murray never quite worked out in Los Angeles after the team traded up in the 2020 NFL Draft to take him in the first round. Whether it was at inside linebacker or on the edge, Murray struggled immensely with the Bolts and was one of the worst starting linebackers in the league during his time.
Despite this poor play, Murray inked a hefty two-year, $15.5 million contract with the Tennessee Titans (solely because he is a former first-round pick). The Titans were hoping to unlock something in Murray while the Chargers wisely went in a different direction.
And while the 2024 season is still young, it appears that the same Murray who showed up in Los Angeles is showing up in Tennessee. The former Charger turned in a dreadful performance in Week 2 against the New York Jets and was a key reason why the team lost to Aaron Rodgers and Co.
Kenneth Murray with one of the worst PFF grades I've ever seen 27.7 and 73 of Rodgers' 176 yards attributed to him. Was always a weird overpay if you ever watched the Chargers. #Titans
— MJ (@TheMJTake) September 16, 2024
Chargers clearly don't miss Kenneth Murray after he signed with the Titans
While Murray struggles in Tennessee, the Chargers have a revamped linebacker room that has been playing at a high level thus far this season. The team reunited with veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has become a leader for this defense and is far more productive than Murray ever was.
Alongside Perryman is two young linebackers who both bring a lot to the table. Second-year linebacker Daiyan Henley has really blossomed under the new Chargers coaching staff into a productive member of the defense. Rookie Junior Colson has all the potential in the world, and has the potential to develop into one of the best starting linebackers in the sport.
Fixing the linebacker position has been a huge reason for the Chargers' early defensive success and swapping out Murray for improvements is the source of that fix. There is no way around it.
It gets even better for the Chargers, too. Because Murray signed for what he signed for, the Chargers are projected to get a fifth-round compensatory pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Los Angeles essentially got draft capital for improving at linebacker.
Not only that, but the team also brought in two former members of the Titans who are playing at a much higher level in LA. The team signed Kristian Fulton to a one-year flier and to the surprise of many (this writer included), he has played at a high level thus far. If he continues to do that, he will be one of the best signings of the entire 2024 offseason.
The Chargers also traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Titans for defensive back Elijah Molden. Molden's versatility has already been huge for the Chargers as he started in place of the injured Alohi Gilman in Week 2, coming away with an interception in the process.
Not only did the Chargers get better via addition by subtraciton by getting rid of Murray, but the team actively improved at the sake of the Titans as well.