The Cincinnati Bengals chose not to use the fifth-year option on Myles Murphy. This was more of a financial decision to not lock in a fully guaranteed contract for next year than it was about the trajectory of Murphy on the field.
I don’t think it was a coincidence that Murphy had his best season to date in 2025, when he was finally given significant snaps. What can we expect from him this year?
Myles Murphy
- Height: 6´5
- Weight: 275 pounds
- Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
- Age: 24 years old
- Experience: Three seasons
Contract Status
Myles Murphy is entering the fourth year of his four-year $12.5 million rookie deal. His cap hit is just
over $4 million for the upcoming season. After declining his fifth-year option for the 2027-2028 season, Murphy will be in line to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-2027 football season.
Background
Myles Murphy was a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school. He played his college football with the Clemson Tigers. Murphy finished his collegiate career with 116 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles.
After spending three seasons with Clemson, Murphy was selected during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Then after Murphy played more of a heavy rotational role over his first two seasons, he was finally given an expanded opportunity during the 2025 season.
Murphy took advantage of the opportunity, finishing last year with 52 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three passes defensed. He consistently displayed a high motor, showed improved hand usage, and was a consistent presence as both a run defender and pass rusher.
2026 Outlook
Myles Murphy is likely to hold down a starting spot on the defensive line during the 2026 season opposite of Boye Mafe. The Bengals will have depth on the defensive line with players like Shemar Stewart and Cashius Howell that should also receive plenty of snaps at defensive end. Now entering a contract season, I fully expect to continue seeing the ascent of Myles Murphy this upcoming season.
At just 24 years old, he is still a very young player who played his best football by far during last season. With another jump in performance, there is reason to believe that Murphy will be pushing double-digit sacks by season’s end. His own performance, but also the attention that Dexter Lawrence will command, could put Murphy in line for a monster payday after the season.
Hopefully, that payday happens after the Bengals hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.
