Checking In on Tennessee Titans Linebackers: Kenneth Murray Is a Sure Thing, But Depth Chart Has Holes to Fill

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan says of the linebacker position: "The acquisition period for us isn't over. It’s certainly a position where we’re still looking to keep adding to that group."

Tennessee Titans new free-agent linebacker Kenneth Murray fields questions at Ascension Saint Thomas / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA

NASHVILLE — Two weeks into the 2024 NFL calendar, the Tennessee Titans' linebacker room is a construction zone.

The leading tackler has gone to a division rival, a former first-round draft pick has been signed to man the middle, and coach Brian Callahan told tennesseetitans.com: "The acquisition period for us isn't over. It’s certainly a position where we’re still looking to keep adding to that group."

Since the beginning of NFL free agency on March 13, Titans general manager Ran Carthon has signed nine new players. Six of those athletes are expected to be starters. One of those free-agent acquisitions is former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray.

Murray, who recorded a career-high 107 tackles, three sacks, four passes defended, and an interception for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, signed a two-year deal with the Titans worth $15.5 million with a max value of $18 million.

Murray ranked 75th among 82 linebackers graded by Pro Football Focus, but the Titans see the 2020 1st-round draft pick as a low-risk proposition.

"We feel like as talented as he is, there's still another level he can take his game," Carthon told tennesseetitans.com at the NFL Owners meetings. "And if you know (linebackers coach) Frank Bush's MO, and the work he has done with linebackers of all skill sets, we feel like once Frank gets his hands on him, he can take his game to another level."

Murray told a similar story at his introductory press conference as a Titan: "I definitely feel like I am a guy on the rise. Everybody's journey is different. My story may not have had the storybook story that people may have wanted. I came out and had some ups and some downs. After this past season I was able to showcase my abilities, and I think they expect more of that in the future."

With so much turnover expected this offseason, AllTitans.com will periodically examine each position group — offensive and defensive lines, linebackers, and so on — to assess the changes to the Titans' depth chart leading up to the 2024 kickoff.

Here's a look at the potential linebacker rotation, assuming new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson goes with three down linemen and four linebackers

STARTERS
Weakside LB: Harold Landry
Left inside LB: Jack Gibbens
Right inside LB: Kenneth Murray
Strong side LB: Arden Key

RESERVES
WLB Caleb Murphy, LILB Otis Reese, LILB Garret Wallow, RILB Luke Gifford, RILB Chance Campbell, RILB JoJo Domann, SLB Rashad Weaver, SLB Thomas Rush.

Carthon said the Titans tried to keep Azeez Al-Shaair, the team's leading tackler, and defensive lineman Denico Autry, who led the Titans in sacks.

"If I'm being honest, we weren't able to get Azeez re-done, weren't able to get Denico, and those were two guys of our own that you'd like to have back," Carthon told tennesseetitans.com. "But they ultimately made a decision that was best for them and their families. And, it's like anything else, when one door closes, another opens and us being able to pivot and be fluid allowed us to make some other moves."

Gibbens had 55 tackles and one sack in a part-time role last season. Otis Reese would be the other option currently on the roster to play next to Murray as an interior linebacker.

Landry and Key were important contributors last season at weak side and strong side, respectively. But Brian Callahan said the Titans aren't done looking for linebackers.

“We’ve got some guys on the roster that have played there,” Callahan told tennesseetitans.com at the NFL Owners Meetings. “There are still chances to add guys as well, particularly in the draft. It’s not solidified yet."

Related Titans stories

• CARTHON PAUSES TO TAKE INVENTORY: After 8 free-agent signings and a big trade, Titans general manager Ran Carthon said they will focus now on the April 25-27 NFL Draft. But the Titans have cap space and are still capable of signing players off the open market. CLICK HERE
• CHECKING IN ON OFFENSIVE LINE: New coach (Bill Callahan), new center (Lloyd Cushenberry), and more to come. It's possible, if not likely, that the Tennessee Titans offensive line will have two or more new starters come September. CLICK HERE