The Cincinnati Bengals are facing growing challenges this offseason as contract negotiations involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson linger unresolved. With the regular season approaching rapidly, the Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor finds himself managing a delicate situation as Hendrickson’s contract dispute, along with rookie Shemar Stewart’s similar holdout, threatens to affect team preparations and on-field cohesion.
Ongoing Contract Negotiations Stall Bengals’ Preparations
Throughout the 2025 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have been caught in a holding pattern regarding the contracts of two key defensive players. Trey Hendrickson, who has established himself as a dominant force by recording 17.5 sacks in consecutive seasons, continues to seek a longer-term and higher-paying deal. Meanwhile, Shemar Stewart, a rookie defensive end, remains in contract limbo, having refrained from participating fully in practice sessions despite attending team meetings and offseason programs.
The Bengals’ front office has reportedly attempted to adjust contract terms for Stewart to include language that would allow the team to void future guarantees, a demand his representatives strongly oppose. Stewart insists on terms similar to those secured by recent first-round picks Myles Murphy and Amarius Mims. This standoff along with Hendrickson’s ongoing negotiations has left the Bengals facing considerable pressure as training camp nears.
Coach Zac Taylor Navigates Uncertainty Amid Contract Disputes
Zac Taylor has expressed frustration about the situation but remains focused on maintaining team morale and readiness. He acknowledged the uniqueness of each player’s circumstances, stating,
“I think every situation is unique, so again, every personality is different. Every player is different. The timing, everything’s different. You just adapt as you go with that stuff.”
—Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach
Taylor also addressed the rookies’ status, noting the complications these contract matters bring,
“I think for all the rookies, you’d like them to be out on the field. But certainly, there’s things that happen over the course of an NFL career, and this is one of them right now.”
—Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach
Despite these efforts to stay composed, the absence of Hendrickson and Stewart from offseason activities has created distractions that the coaching staff and players would prefer to avoid, especially so close to the start of training camp.
Expert Opinions Highlight Risks of Extended Disputes
Veteran NFL insider Adam Schefter has publicly weighed in on the Bengals’ situation, warning of the potential harm prolonged contract holdouts can cause. Schefter emphasized the desire for smooth offseason operations, saying,
“Well, this is not what you want this time of the year when you have situations like this and when you have two situations like this. That’s not ideal going into the offseason. You want peace and quiet. You want non-distraction.”
—Adam Schefter, NFL Insider
He pointed out the escalating risks if these disputes extend further into the preseason or beyond, adding,
“If it goes on into the start of training camp, that’s even less ideal. And if it goes on to the start of the preseason, that’s even less ideal. And if it somehow lingers to the regular season, which I couldn’t imagine, but if it does, shame on them. Shame on them because you don’t want these sorts of issues marring, clouding, disrupting, distracting your season in any way, shape or form.”
—Adam Schefter, NFL Insider
According to reports, Hendrickson opted out of offseason workout activities in protest of the unresolved contract terms, leaving the Bengals with a critical gap in defensive end depth during a vital team-building period.
Locker Room Impact and Team Dynamics at Stake
The ongoing contract holdouts have begun to permeate the Bengals’ locker room, raising concerns about internal unity as key players await resolutions. Orlando Brown Jr., the team’s left tackle, acknowledged the tension while emphasizing solidarity among teammates, saying,
“We got a very close locker room, first and foremost. Guys have talked to Trey. Guys have talked to Shemar. Ultimately, it’s the NFL. It’s a business. It’s part of it. These types of things happen. But I would imagine these deals get done hopefully sooner rather than later.”
—Orlando Brown Jr., Cincinnati Bengals Left Tackle
The Bengals’ strong locker room culture is being tested as uncertainty hangs over two contributors essential to the team’s defensive prowess. The potential for trade scenarios involving both Hendrickson and Stewart has also surfaced, with recent speculation tying them to possible moves to the Chicago Bears, though no agreements have been reported.
Broader Offseason Context for Bengals and NFL
The Bengals’ contract struggles are part of a wider NFL pattern this offseason, characterized by holdouts and negotiations involving several prominent players. Similar situations have unfolded elsewhere, such as with Micah Parsons in Dallas and T.J. Watt, who remains on holdout with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Bengals appear to be among the most affected teams given the dual disputes with Hendrickson and Stewart.
Given the approaching start of the NFL season, the Bengals must resolve these contract issues to foster team cohesion and strategic preparation. The situation poses a unique test for Zac Taylor’s leadership amid the complex business side of the league.
Potential Consequences for Bengals’ Season Outlook
If unresolved, these contract disputes could impair the Bengals’ defensive effectiveness and overall team synergy. Hendrickson’s production as a defensive end has been a key component of Cincinnati’s recent success, making his absence during offseason workouts particularly concerning. Similarly, Stewart’s rookie season development could be delayed without full participation in team activities.
The Bengals front office faces mounting pressure to reach agreements swiftly to avoid further distractions. Head coach Zac Taylor’s ability to steer the team through this period will be critical in maintaining competitive momentum. Until these disputes conclude, the Bengals’ preparations remain clouded by uncertainty, with the team and its fans waiting anxiously for resolution.