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Bengals Decline Murphy Option, Add Defensive Reinforcements

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals declined defensive end Myles Murphy’s $14,475,000 fifth-year option on April 30, 2026, before the May 1 deadline.
Murphy’s three-year production included 92 tackles, 10 TFL and 8.5 sacks, with a career-high 5.5 sacks and 41 pressures in 2025.
Director of player personnel Duke Tobin said the move creates salary-cap flexibility for a future long-term deal, while the Bengals added Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to the defense.

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Story summary

The Cincinnati Bengals declined defensive end Myles Murphy’s $14,475,000 fifth-year option on April 30, 2026, before the May 1 deadline.
Murphy’s three-year production included 92 tackles, 10 TFL and 8.5 sacks, with a career-high 5.5 sacks and 41 pressures in 2025.
Director of player personnel Duke Tobin said the move creates salary-cap flexibility for a future long-term deal, while the Bengals added Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen to the defense.