Bengals rely on Hendrickson, Stewart to resolve contract disputes

The start of the 2025 season is just weeks away. No, not the games. That’s more than a month away. First is the grind of training camp. Then the feeling out process of rookies and free agents trying to make the squad in the preseason. Then the final cuts as to who will make the squad. Then, on September 7, all teams let it fly.

We knew what the issue was with the 2024 Bengals. The defense couldn’t stop anybody. That was the bottom line. Half of the starters are gone along with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. 

The 2025 Bengal defense will look different with a different leader. Al Golden will try and put his stamp on a revamped Bengal defense. The problem already is this. Edge rushers on defense are almost as important as quarterbacks and wide receivers on offense. Two men the Bengals are counting on to keep opposing quarterbacks from getting a pass off have not signed.

Trey Hendrickson has established himself as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. He lead the league in sacks last season. He’s poised to do it again this season. The problem is Hendrickson and the Bengals disagree on how much money their top defensive player should be paid. Traditionally, the Bengals rarely flinch after they make what they feel is a fair offer. Hendrickson alleges he is not being paid as one of the top edge rushers. Though the Bengal veteran has threatened to sit out games, it’s hard to believe a player on the wrong side of 30 will pass up substantial game checks starting September 7. As players don’t like going through the grind of training camp anyway it’s not likely Hendrickson will show up unless a deal is done.

Hendrickson may be an established difference maker, but the Bengals 1st round draft pick for 2025 Shemar Stewart isn’t. Stewart has yet to sign his contract with the Bengals, as he and his side feel the language in the contract is wrong. Stewart is said to have massive potential and upside, but gave underwhelming production at Texas A&M.

It would be in the best interest of both players along with the team to come to some agreement.

Without pressure on the QB in todays NFL, defenses will certainly be burned and burned badly. On the other hand, both Stewart and Hendrickson have bills to pay. If these two players are smart they will realize the Bengals rarely budge on contractual matters. It may be in their best interest to sign and sign quickly. 

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