The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy offseason revamping their defense.
Bengals director player personnel Duke Tobin acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants and added edge rusher Boye Mafe and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
After spending money in the offseason and adding defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft, Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy saw Cincy decline his fifth-year option.
“I knew it was a possibility,” Murphy said about the Bengals’ decision to not pick up his option, via Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News. “Duke and everyone upstairs, they’ve been pretty transparent on ‘we spent a lot of money this offseason.’ So, it does make sense. We talk. No hard feelings. We talk about everything, so really, just doing my job right now, getting ready for the upcoming season, trying to be in the best shape I can be, the best teammate I can be.”
The Bengals declined Murphy’s $14.475 million fifth-year option, according to Over the Cap.
Murphy was selected No. 28 overall in the 2023 draft out of Clemson. Since joining the Bengals, Murphy has racked up 92 tackles, 17 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 47 games.
In 2025, Murphy recorded a career-high in sacks (5.5), QB hits (10) and tackles for loss (six) in 17 games for the Bengals.
The Bengals have built a solid defense this offseason after the unit struggled in 2025, highlighted by Cincy acquiring and extending Lawrence. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been praising the current build of the team as he said it’s the “most talented roster” since he’s been in Cincy.
Even Murphy acknowledges the Bengals’ front office is hoping to build a Super Bowl contender with their offseason moves so far.
"I think it motivates us as a team in general, because, I mean, it shows that they (the front office) want it just as bad as us,” Murphy said. “So, you know, them adding those key pieces and knowing what we already have and knowing what we need can help us as a team, as a unit.
“It’s very motivating. And I don’t need to do anything but be the best player I can be because I know the history with Dex (Lawrence), Jonathan Allen, , Boye and all the old guys, like I know they’re going to be at their best, so it just makes me want to be at my best.”
The 2026 season will not only be a big campaign for the Bengals, but also for Murphy on a contract year.