What did Bengals decide on Myles Murphy?
Bengals decline Myles Murphy’s fifth-year option
The Cincinnati Bengals decided not to pick up defensive end Myles Murphy’s fifth-year option, setting up his move toward the next phase of his contract situation. The decision matters because a fifth-year option typically controls the team’s cost and roster control for an additional season before a player reaches a more expensive free-agent window.
Murphy entered the league as a first-round pick out of Clemson and has since been part of Cincinnati’s defensive front. By declining the option, the Bengals signal they either want to evaluate him further through the remaining contract term or are prioritizing flexibility for how they build their defensive line over the long term.
This is an important roster-development moment for Cincinnati because it affects:
- Who’s under team control next (the option decision changes timing for future negotiations)
- How the Bengals manage defensive line spending
- Depth and competition planning behind their edge group
For Murphy, the move keeps his market options open, meaning he could become more motivated to prove his impact level on the field as his team looks ahead. For the Bengals, the decision reinforces that they’re balancing player evaluation with cap and long-range roster strategy.
With Cincinnati still planning its defensive identity, the option decline becomes a key signal to watch as the team manages contracts, upgrades, and the overall structure of its pass rush.