As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2025 NFL season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in September, the team is poised to silence their critics after a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries. With a renewed focus on redemption, the Cowboys are ready to showcase a revitalized roster, particularly at the linebacker position, which has raised eyebrows across the league.
Another OTA is in the books. Some defensive notes:
– Your starting LBs, again, with the 1s were two off seasons acquisitions: Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray.
– DaRon Bland continued to do a lot of work in the slot, including in an individual drill. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/JzjuRhvWYd— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) May 29, 2025
During Thursday’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs), fans and analysts got their first glimpse of the Cowboys’ potential starting linebacker unit, as captured in a photo shared on X by Cowboys reporter Joseph Hoyt. The spotlight fell on Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, the two players expected to anchor the linebacker corps in 2025. Sanborn, who spent the first three years of his career with the Chicago Bears, and Murray, a former Los Angeles Charger who played last season with the Tennessee Titans, represent the Cowboys’ bold offseason acquisitions.
However, not everyone is convinced this duo can deliver. ESPN NFL Senior Writer Mike Clay recently released projections for every NFL team, and his assessment of the Cowboys’ linebacker unit was less than flattering. Clay rated the group a mere 3 out of 10, the lowest score of any unit on the team, signaling significant skepticism about their ability to perform at an elite level.
Despite the doubts, Sanborn and Murray have a golden opportunity to prove their worth. With the Cowboys placing their trust in these relatively unproven recruits, the pressure is on as they prepare to take the field. The 2025 season will be a defining moment for this linebacker unit, as they aim to transform skepticism into respect and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.