Overview
- The Bengals, who on Thursday declined the preset fifth-year team option for first-rounders on Myles Murphy, avoided locking in about $14.5 million for 2027.
- Director of player personnel Duke Tobin called the move a financial choice and said the club still wants to explore a long-term deal with the 24-year-old edge rusher.
- Murphy is coming off a breakout 2025 with 5.5 sacks, 52 tackles, and a team-high snap share among defensive ends after limited roles in his first two seasons.
- Cincinnati has reshaped its front with Dexter Lawrence II via trade and signings such as Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen, while Trey Hendrickson left for the Ravens and Joseph Ossai signed with the Jets.
- Declining the option keeps Murphy on a lower 2026 rookie salary and positions him for 2027 free agency unless the sides reach an extension.