Following the NFL Draft, Duke Tobin spoke with the media on Monday. One of several topics that came up was about the Bengals exercising the 5th-year option for defensive end Myles Murphy.

“He’s a 24-year-old guy that’s just starting to scratch the surface. 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,” said Tobins.

While that sounds like a guy you would be looking to keep around, he went on to discuss some of the financial decisions they are currently facing, which painted a murkier picture.

“Those are things that we’re working through after the draft. We’ve layered in challenges, but we’re up to them, and we do it because we have the opportunity to add the right people and the right players. Those are challenges that the locker room isn’t interested in. They’re interested in having the best team possible, and that’s what we’re trying to give them: The best team possible,” said Tobin.

If they decide to exercise the 5th-year option, they will have Murphy under contract for $14.475 million dollars in 2027. If they decline to pick up the option, it makes it much more likely that the 2026 season would be his last one in Cincinnati, barring an extension being reached at some point.

We will have clarity on the decision soon, as the deadline to exercise the option is May 1st.

Do you think the Bengals will ultimately pick up the option?