GLENDALE — The Cincinnati Bengals declined to exercise the fifth-year option on defensive end Myles Murphy’s rookie contract, a decision that leaves his deal set to expire at the end of the 2026 NFL league year. Despite this move, the team desires to keep Murphy beyond the 2026 season.
Murphy, selected 28th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 47 games through the 2025 season and started 10 of them. He has recorded 8.5 sacks and generated 76 pressures on 772 pass rush snaps during that span. The fifth-year option, which would have been worth $14.475 million for the 2027 season, was not picked up by the Bengals ahead of the May 1 deadline.
The decision comes as other edge defenders from Murphy’s draft class begin to secure long-term contracts. Derick Hall, chosen 37th overall in the same draft by the Seattle Seahawks, recently agreed to a three-year, $42 million extension that can reach $46.5 million with incentives. Hall’s deal includes $21 million in guarantees and carries an average annual value of $14 million, placing him 33rd among NFL edge defenders by that metric.
The Bengals’ choice not to activate Murphy’s fifth-year option does not preclude a future contract extension. Teams often bypass the option to maintain flexibility in negotiating longer-term agreements. Cincinnati’s stated intent to retain Murphy beyond 2026 suggests the club may pursue such an arrangement in the coming months or during the 2026 offseason.
Murphy’s production through the 2025 season includes 47 games played, 10 starts, 8.5 sacks, and 76 pressures on 772 pass rush snaps. His rookie contract expiration after 2026 and the Bengals’ public desire to retain him beyond that point set up potential extension talks ahead of the 2026 free agency period.