Bengals encouraged to skip a critical fifth-year option

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The Cincinnati Bengals have a tough decision on the way with defensive end Myles Murphy.

A first-round pick in 2023, the Bengals will soon have to decide whether they want to pick up the fifth-year option on Murphy’s contract.

Doing so, based on the estimates at Over The Cap, would mean locking in a fifth year in 2027 at roughly $13.6 million (playing time bonus would’ve made it $15.2 million, a Pro Bowl, $22.3 million).

Marc Ross at NFL.com, though, says the Bengals should decline:

“Murphy made a minimal impact in his first two seasons before having an increased role in 2025, with Trey Hendrickson sidelined. As a starter in the final nine games of the season, Murphy recorded four sacks (three over the final four games), but he's otherwise been mostly forgettable as a member of one of the worst defenses in the NFL.”

It’s not a fun place for the Bengals to be. Murphy seemed to be breaking out steadily after a disappointing first few seasons in the NFL. But banking on that carrying into 2027 is a risk.

The Bengals do have Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai slated for free agency this offseason, though. Barring a major addition, they could be relying on Murphy and fellow first-rounder Shemar Stewart to really do the heavy lifting in 2026.

The happy medium, and perhaps preferable for the Bengals, might be to do a small extension with Murphy soon. It could lock in more years at an acceptable middle ground for both parties, with room to negotiate for more later if things really take off for him.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals encouraged to skip a critical fifth-year option

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