2025 NFL season fifth-year option 2023 NFL Draft NFL contracts Cincinnati Bengals Myles Murphy Duke Tobin

The Cincinnati Bengals are approaching a critical deadline for Myles Murphy’s future. The team must decide by May 1 whether to exercise the fifth-year option on Murphy’s contract, a choice that could shape the franchise’s defensive line for years to come.

Murphy, selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key contributor. During the 2025 season, he transitioned into a full-time starting role, appearing in every game and notching 5.5 sacks.

Duke Tobin, the Bengals’ director of player personnel, praised Murphy’s progress during a Monday press conference.

"He’s a 24-year-old guy that’s just starting to scratch the surface," Tobin said. "I was pleased with his progression last year and how he took ownership of the starting role and how he grew throughout the season. By the end of the year, he was a problem for teams. He’s a guy we believe in."

While the Bengals hold a favorable view of Murphy’s potential, exercising the fifth-year option is not guaranteed. If activated, the option would guarantee Murphy $14.475 million for the 2027 season. Tobin acknowledged the team’s intent to evaluate financial flexibility, stating they will "see what kind of costs we can layer in next year."

"We’d like a long-term relationship with him," Tobin added. "But we’re also unsure if that will come together in Cincinnati."

Source: Pro Football Talk
Trucker of the Year Achieves 10.46 MPG with Freightliner Cascadia: How He Does It
← Previous

Trucker of the Year Achieves 10.46 MPG with Freightliner Cascadia: How...

 Mike Vrabel Returns to Patriots After Missing Draft Day Three
Next →

Mike Vrabel Returns to Patriots After Missing Draft Day Three