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The Cincinnati Bengals have made several changes to their defense this offseason. Now, edge rusher Myles Murphy is entering the final year of his rookie deal after the Bengals declined his fifth-year option. A big season could boost the former 1st-round pick’s value.
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Murphy’s upcoming season could determine whether he lands one of the biggest contracts among edge rushers on the open market.
“Playing at that same level — if not better with Lawrence drawing doubles next to him — would have him hitting the free-agent market with a projected $20 million-plus price tag,” Dehner wrote.
The door to a long-term future in Cincinnati is far from closed. The Cincinnati Bengals passed on the fully guaranteed $14.5 million option for 2027 to preserve cap flexibility after an aggressive offseason.
As per The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the projection reflects how much Murphy’s value could rise with another productive season.
Dehner also noted that the opposite outcome could dramatically change Murphy’s market.
“If Murphy regresses, however, he likely lands with a prove-it deal.”
Murphy showed progress late in the season. He finished with four sacks, 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits after November. It was his best stretch of the year.
In terms of pure numbers as well, he has shown progress. Until 2025, he had no starts. Last year, he started 10 games and posted career highs in passes deflected (3), sacks (5.5) and combined tackles (52).
The Bengals have also surrounded him with more talent. The additions of Dexter Lawrence II, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and rookie Cashius Howell should create more favorable matchups along the defensive front.
That supporting cast only raises expectations entering training camp. Murphy now has the opportunity to prove last year’s finish was the beginning of something bigger.
Dexter Lawrence’s arrival could create the perfect opportunity
Murphy showed signs of progress last season, and the Bengals are hoping he takes another step in 2026.
According to Pro Football Focus, he was credited with 41 pressures and a team-high 31 hurries.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised that development during offseason workouts, as reported by Bengals.com.
“He’s continued to take off,” Taylor said. “…I like Myles. Myles is a really easy guy to pull for, and I think he’s a guy that’s really taken advantage of the opportunities he’s been given.”
Taylor’s brief assessment reflected the progress the coaching staff believes Murphy has made since the second half of last season.
Murphy also believes playing next to Dexter Lawrence will benefit everyone along the defensive line.
“He’s a monster on the field,” Murphy said of Lawrence. “Consistently bringing a middle push. Pressure.”
If Murphy capitalizes on those opportunities, his statistical jump could follow naturally. A strong 2026 season could change that and put him in line for a new contract.
