Cincinnati Bengals decline fifth year option for Myles Murphy

A long-term commitment isn’t off the table for Myles Murphy, but the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t rushing into it.

Instead of picking up his fifth-year option, Cincinnati is choosing to keep its options open financially while continuing to evaluate where the former Clemson star fits moving forward. It’s a calculated move, not a dismissal of his progress, especially after he carved out a much bigger role last season.

Within the organization, there’s still plenty of belief in what he can become as a football player. Duke Tobin pointed to the way Murphy settled in as the year went on, growing more comfortable as a starter and becoming tougher for offenses to handle late in the season. That development is a big reason the team is still interested in working toward a deal down the road rather than locking in a preset number now.

The financial side plays a major role here. Exercising the option would have guaranteed a significant salary for 2027, while declining it gives the team more control and flexibility. It also leaves the door open to negotiate a contract that better reflects Murphy’s trajectory if he continues trending upward under defensive coordinator Al Golden.

Murphy, the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering a key stretch. After limited usage early in his career, he saw a noticeable jump in playing time last season and responded with his most productive year so far. His increased snap count translated into more consistent impact, showing flashes of why he was a first-round selection.

Before making the jump to the NFL, Murphy was a steady presence at Clemson Tigers football, where he built a reputation for durability and playmaking over three seasons. Now, as he continues to develop at the pro level, Cincinnati appears willing to be patient rather than make an early financial commitment.