Bengals Make Or Break Season For Myles Murphy, Nick Lodolo Returns To Form In Solid 6 Inning Outing

Cincinnati Bengals EDGE Myles Murphy enters the 2026 season with more pressure than at any other point in his career. Drafted in the first round in 2023, Murphy was expected to become a cornerstone pass rusher opposite Trey Hendrickson. Instead, his first three seasons have produced flashes of talent without the consistent dominance the Bengals envisioned when they invested a premium pick in him.

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That is why 2026 feels like a true make-or-break campaign. Cincinnati already declined Murphy’s fifth-year option, a major signal that the organization still is not fully convinced he deserves long-term star money. The Bengals have also aggressively rebuilt the defensive line, adding veterans and drafting more edge rushers, creating immediate competition for snaps and future roster spots.

To Murphy’s credit, there were signs of growth late in 2025. He posted career highs in tackles and sacks while finally showing the disruptive ability that made him a standout at Clemson. Bengals coaches and executives still believe his best football could be ahead of him, but belief alone will not earn him a second contract. Production will.

The timing also matters for Cincinnati as a franchise. The Bengals remain built around Joe Burrow and an elite offense, but the defense has consistently held the team back during recent playoff pushes. Murphy now has a chance to become the impact defender this roster desperately needs. If he breaks out with double-digit sacks and consistent pressure, he could secure a lucrative extension and solidify himself as a long-term building block.

If he struggles again, however, the Bengals may decide to move forward with younger and cheaper pass rushers. For Murphy, 2026 is no longer about potential. It is about proving he can finally become the player Cincinnati drafted him to be.

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