Only two teams allowed more points than the Cincinnati Bengals did last season. They lost, arguably, their best defender in Trey Hendrickson. Yet, the Bengals also traded their 2026 first-round pick in exchange for one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles in Dexter Lawrence.
Will the Bengals’ defense be better or worse? If this next player continues the ascension fans witnessed late last season, the Bengals’ defense just might be in a good place.
Bengals’ Myles Murphy Has ‘Most At Stake’ in 2026
Cincinnati Bengals, Myles Murphy
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) passes the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy (99) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Recently, The Athletic asked it’s beat writers to put together their team’s player with the “most at stake” for the upcoming season. When it came to the Bengals, local reporter Paul Dehner Jr. highlighted defensive end Myles Murphy. He was quick to note that the 28th overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft enjoyed a mini-breakout last season with 5.5 sacks, and that ascension could continue in 2026.
“Murphy saw his fifth-year option declined in May, but that was more due to the Dexter Lawrence acquisition changing the math. Those paying attention last year saw Murphy’s second half blossom into the player the Bengals thought they were drafting in the first round in 2023. Playing at that same level — if not better with Lawrence drawing doubles next to him — would have him hitting the free-agent market with a projected $20 million-plus price tag. If Murphy regresses, however, he likely lands with a prove-it deal.”
The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. on Myles Murphy
If Murphy, who’s expected to see an even larger role after earning the first 10 starts of his career last season, continues to reach new heights, a $20 million salary isn’t out of question, because edge rushers get paid big bucks on the open market. Just look at how the Bengals issued a three-year, $60 million contract to Boye Mafe this offseason. Mafe’s coming off a two-sack season and has compiled a total of 20 across four years.
While quarterbacks get paid the most on offense, pass-rushers get paid the most on defense, and a bigger breakout season from Murphy could place him among the highest-paid defenders in the league. That’s why this season is truly a make or break year for the former first-round pick.
Related: Cincinnati Bengals’ Pro Bowl Offensive Lineman Makes Very Bold Statement About Team
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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ