Bengals have lofty hopes for Myles Murphy in 2026

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 4: Myles Murphy #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Cincinnati, United States. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals made a number of moves this spring to bolster their defense, with the defensive line being the primary focus. Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and Boye Mafe were all added up front to deal with the rough-and-tumble AFC North.

class="has-text-align-none">However, the club is also looking for big leaps from some other former high picks from recent Draft classes. Shemar Stewart needs to show more in year two, but the team is also holding high hopes for Myles Murphy.

class="has-text-align-none">In speaking with the Bengals Booth podcast, hosted by Dan Hoard, defensive coordinator Al Golden is seeing the fourth-year pro making more steps this spring.

class="has-text-align-none">“I think this year, we’re seeing another level of him this spring, and obviously, just continue that path,” Golden told Hoard. “And those plays (ones he left out there last year), he’s too talented. He’s too long; he’s too strong for those plays not to come if he continues this positive trend that he’s on right now.”

class="has-text-align-none">After being drafted in the first round back in 2023, Murphy has waited his turn for a larger role. He has seen increased snaps towards the end of both 2024 and 2025, responding with four sacks in the final eight games last year.

class="has-text-align-none">As for Murphy’s late-season surge in 2025, Golden weighed in on that, too, noting: “He knew exactly where his technique was, where he needed to be. He executed at a really high level in the plays that came.”

class="has-text-align-none">The Bengals have a few players they would like to ink extensions with before the 2026 season begins. While DJ Turner, Dax Hill, Chase Brown, and others are on the list, so is Murphy. Because of some early-career inconsistencies, the team decided not to give him the fifth-year option, but it has been made known that they would like to keep him around long-term.

class="has-text-align-none">While some believe the team should have exercised that option, there are reasons Cincinnati chose not to go that route. And, with a more active offseason than usual, Murphy is using 2026 as a “prove-it year” to the Bengals and the rest of the NFL ahead of 2027 free agency.

class="has-text-align-none">Cincinnati’s defensive line was a beleaguered group last year, but it has suddenly become a crowded position group. Aside from the veterans that were added, Cincinnati also added Cashius Howell in the second round of the draft this year, and has some other young talents trying to make the roster.

class="has-text-align-none">It’s a big year for Murphy—both in terms of aiding the Bengals’ defensive rebuild and in his career trajectory. If he proves Golden correct and continues to improve this year, it will be a big boost to the Cincinnati defensive unit.