Myles Murphy echoes Joe Burrow about Bengals' offseason, opens up about having option declined

Last week, quarterback Joe Burrow insisted that the Cincinnati Bengals currently have "the most talented roster that we've had since" the Bengals made him the first overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Per Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News, defensive end Myles Murphy recently shared that he is hyped about what he and his Cincinnati teammates could achieve this season after the club acquired big names such as defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, safety Bryan Cook, safety Kyle Dugger, edge-rusher Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen this offseason. 

Myles Murphy wants to be at his best after the Bengals' offseason moves

"I think it motivates us as a team in general, because, I mean, it shows that they (the front office) want it just as bad as us," Murphy explained. "So, you know, them adding those key pieces and knowing what we already have and knowing what we need can help us as a team, as a unit. It’s very motivating. And I don’t need to do anything but be the best player I can be because I know the history with Dex, Jonathan Allen, B.J. (Hill), Boye (Mafe) and all the old guys, like I know they’re going to be at their best, so it just makes me want to be at my best." 

The perception exists that those running the Bengals wanted to put a smile on Burrow's face after he said this past December that he needed "to have fun [playing] again." Of course, part of that process and of the Bengals possibly ending the club's playoff drought that extended to three years will likely have to involve Burrow staying healthy for at least the bulk of the season. 

Most recently, Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2 of the 2025 campaign that kept him sidelined until Week 13. The Bengals ultimately ended the season with a record of 6-11.

Myles Murphy reacts to fifth-year option decision

Also in this offseason, the Bengals declined their fifth-year option for 2027 on Murphy. As Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk noted, Murphy tallied three sacks over the final four games of the 2025 season en route to finishing the campaign with a career-best 5.5 sacks. 

"It does make sense," Murphy said about the Bengals' business decision. "We talk. No hard feelings. We talk about everything, so really, just doing my job right now, getting ready for the upcoming season, trying to be in the best shape I can be, the best teammate I can be."

Murphy added that he wants to be "at my best" during what will be a contract year for the 24-year-old. If he accomplishes that goal, he could be paid in a big way either by the Bengals or a different team in March 2027.