The Cincinnati Bengals have reopened contract negotiations with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who did not participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp last week. This development emerges amid Hendrickson’s insistence on securing an extension before returning to play, as he enters the final year of his current deal following a league-leading 17.5 sacks last season.
Resuming talks with Hendrickson could be a crucial step for the Bengals in retaining one of their most impactful pass rushers, whose performance has been a key element of their defense. The negotiations are being closely watched as they could determine the team’s defensive outlook for the coming season.
Rookie Shemar Stewart Remains Unsigned Amid Contract Dispute
The Bengals are also facing a separate contract impasse with their first-round draft pick, defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, who walked away from the mandatory minicamp last week. Stewart had been participating in team meetings and practices earlier this spring but ceased attending activities due to unresolved contract issues.
Per reports from Adam Schefter, Stewart’s absence from minicamp followed ongoing disagreements regarding certain clauses the Bengals want to include in his deal. The team is reportedly seeking contract language that would enable them to void future guaranteed money, a proposal Stewart’s camp is resisting in favor of terms consistent with previous contracts for Cincinnati first-round selections.
Stewart spoke out about his stance on the negotiations, expressing confidence in his position and supporting Hendrickson’s similar fight for favorable contract terms. He said,
“In my case, I’m 100% right, so it should be a no-brainer,”
and regarding Hendrickson added,
“In Trey’s case, I think it should be a no-brainer, too. Seventeen-and-a-half sacks, two years back-to-back?”
—Shemar Stewart, Bengals rookie defensive lineman
While Stewart continues to train independently away from the team facility, Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor emphasized the importance of having rookies on the field but acknowledged the reality of contract negotiations in the NFL. He commented,
“I think for all the rookies, you’d like for them to be on the field. But certainly, there are things that happen throughout the course of an NFL career. This is one of them right now.”
—Zac Taylor, Bengals Head Coach
Taylor also noted Stewart’s positive attitude during meetings and his willingness to learn.
“He’s been in the meetings. He’s been positive in that way. He’s been learning, he’s been a good learner, and we look forward to him getting back on the field quickly.”
—Zac Taylor, Bengals Head Coach
Pittsburgh Steelers Maintain Hope for T.J. Watt Extension
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain engaged in contract discussions with All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who also skipped the mandatory minicamp as negotiations continue. Watt has one year remaining on his contract, and the market value for elite pass rushers has surged recently, highlighted by Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett’s new four-year, $40 million per season extension.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism about concluding a deal with Watt but did not specify when it might happen.
“I’m not going to get into speculation there. You guys know what negotiations is about; I’m optimistic we’re going to get things done because we got two sides that want things done. When that’s going to occur, I don’t know.”
—Mike Tomlin, Steelers Head Coach
Diontae Johnson Aims to Rebuild Career with Browns
Diontae Johnson is seeking to bounce back from a difficult period, having moved through four teams in just over a year. After being traded from the Steelers to the Carolina Panthers and then to the Baltimore Ravens—where his tenure was brief and included a suspension—Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. He revealed the Browns were the only team that reached out during free agency, and he is determined to return to his peak performance level.
Johnson emphasized that one subpar year does not define his career, recalling his successful past seasons. He stated,
“One bad year, it’s one year. I had five great seasons in Pittsburgh. I had one year, that doesn’t define me as a player, none of that, my character or none of that. So, like I said, everybody’s going to say what they want to say about me, but I know who I am as a person deep down and that’s all that matters to me.”
—Diontae Johnson, Cleveland Browns wide receiver
On his mindset going forward, Johnson added,
“Just be myself and prove everybody wrong. That’s my mindset. Keep going. Don’t worry about the outside noise. Worry about what goes on between these gates. That’s it.”
—Diontae Johnson, Cleveland Browns wide receiver
Contract Negotiations Reflect the Importance of Pass Rushers Across the NFL
The ongoing contract talks involving Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart highlight a broader trend among NFL teams placing high value on strong pass rushers. With players like Myles Garrett setting lucrative markets, teams such as the Bengals and Steelers confront challenges in balancing competitive offers and contract protections.
For Cincinnati, successfully finalizing an extension with Hendrickson and signing rookie Stewart are critical priorities to maintaining a formidable defensive line. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s pursuit to retain Watt underscores the high stakes involved for elite defenders. How these situations resolve will have significant implications for team performance and salary cap management as training camps approach.