2026 Off-season notes

[ArmyBengal]

I was wondering about that as well.

I didn't really think much of it until I looked at the DT rotation the Dolphins are sporting.
Yeah, they could use some help there as well, so it would be a win for them too.

Waiting and watching.  You know... that time in between the draft and training camp.
UGH

[HoosierCat]

Bengals decline the option.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2026/04/30/cincinnati-bengals-decline-to-pick-up-defensive-end-myles-murphys-nfl-fifth-year-option/89840091007/ 

They are still making mouth noises about wanting a long-term deal but given that the option was only $14.5 million I have to wonder about that.

[ArmyBengal]

I don’t think they want a long term n deal at all. I think they know they spent two high picks at DE in the last two years and signed Mafe to a big deal.

If he has a breakout year maybe someone foolishly signs him to a big deal next offseason and we net a 3rd round comp pick in return.

Thats what I think they are thinking.
I also don’t necessarily disagree.
Murphy has been less than average.

[COB]

He’s got all the incentive in the world to have a monster season and get paid.  Here or somewhere else.  I’m rooting for him for both selfish and unselfish reasons.  It’s hard to envision him having that kind of season though.

[Prophecy]

Decline the option. GENIUS !!!

So, I guess we can all look forward to the Bengals spending another 1st or 2nd Rd pick on a DE next year (because 3 in the last 3 years clearly wasnt enough). 

Look, I know a lot of people don't like Myles Murphy after his first 2 years (I didnt either) but let's look at this with a fresh set of eyes based on 2025 and beyond.

Murphy came off a 5.5 Sack Season with improved play vs. the run and they dont want to pay him $14.5 million?

Does ANYONE think that Boye Mafe will be a Bengal after next season (only 1st yr guaranteed) if he ends up with like 6 sacks, making $20 million a year? Hell No.

Not if $14.5M is too expensive for 5.5 Sacks . Cap Casualty.

So that will leave them with Shemar Stewart and Cashius Howell.

They need to start using these premium draft picks on the Oline, Secondary and LB corps. Or have the option if a freak TE or WR falls to you in the draft.

ENOUGH bad decisions and high draft picks (or reaching) on DE's. 

[ArmyBengal]

Here’s how I view this. 
Murphy has more often sucked major ass than not.  The Bengals would typically just pick up options because they could. In this instance they don’t have to and by not doing so provides extreme motivation for Murphy to ball out this year.

The Bengals are betting that doesn’t happen and with many people already commenting on how Howell has the ability to take the other DE starting spot, I’m guessing their bet is a solid one.

Murphy has cost this team for years and honestly I will be happy to see him walk.

[COB]

If the bengals really want to sign him to a long term deal, Myles should absolutely take it.  Let’s say 12 million a year for 4 years.  48 million bucks, and the bengals being the Bengals, that is essentially a guaranteed contract.  They’ll pay the whole thing out.  
 

The alternative?  Myles bets on himself and one of two things happen: 1. He reverts to the mean and has to scrounge a deal that will likely have an easy out for the team after two years. 2. He balls out next year, then gets a deal but with only one good year whoever signs him will want escapability.  Only Mike Brown will honor the whole contract just based on old fashioned principle.

Myles is not that good and he should take a deal with salary commensurate with his middling contributions, but with the one team that will be satisfied with his Count Chocula fueled mediocrity.