The Cincinnati Bengals, poised as contenders for the AFC title and a deep postseason run, face disruptions as contract talks with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson have stalled just as training camp opens in 2024. Hendrickson, a pivotal defensive player, remains absent from camp amid stalled negotiations, raising concerns about the Bengals’ pass rush strength for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, rookie Shemar Stewart, expected to be a key addition to the defensive line, is also holding out, signaling potential challenges ahead for Cincinnati’s defense.
Hendrickson’s Contract Demands and Their Impact on the Bengals
Trey Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and the Bengals’ standout pass rusher, has been seeking a contract extension that would secure his place with Cincinnati beyond the current season. Having matched his best sack total with 17.5 in 2023 and earning First Team All-Pro honors, Hendrickson has demonstrated his value on the field. He initially signed with the Bengals in 2021 after choosing Cincinnati over the New York Jets, with a contract that was adjusted for 2024.
Sources indicate the Bengals and Hendrickson have agreed on financial terms, but disagreement over guaranteed years remains an obstacle. Hendrickson reportedly aims for a guarantee spanning three years, which would cover much of his career through his 11th NFL season. The Bengals, however, are said to offer only one year guaranteed, with some reports suggesting two. Despite these discussions, no recent in-person negotiations have taken place, and the Bengals’ front office shows little urgency to resolve the deadlock, a stance that risks weakening the team’s defensive core both on the field and in the locker room.
Rookie Shemar Stewart’s Holdout Adds to Bengals’ Defensive Concerns
The Bengals have placed hope on rookie Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in April’s draft, to bolster their edge rushing defense if Hendrickson departs. Yet Stewart too has stayed away from training camp, complicating Cincinnati’s defensive preparations. The holdout centers on contractual language the Bengals want included to allow them to void Stewart’s contract for certain off-the-field issues considered detrimental to the team’s reputation. Though rookie contracts are structured with limited negotiation room, the delay could jeopardize Stewart’s readiness for the season.
League insiders warn the longer Stewart remains absent, the higher the chances he may miss significant playing time, potentially rendering his entire rookie season lost. Despite impressive athletic testing before the draft, Stewart’s college production fell short of expectations, with only 4.5 sacks over 37 starts throughout three seasons at Texas A&M. Critics highlight concerns about Stewart’s play style, labeling him a straight-line defender rather than a developed edge rusher, intensifying the urgency of getting him acclimated during camp.
Time Sensitive: Stewart’s Development and Bengals’ Defensive Strategy
Coaches stress the critical nature of the initial weeks of training camp for Stewart to adapt his raw talent into effective pass-rushing skills essential for the Bengals’ defensive schemes. The longer the rookie remains on the sidelines, the steeper the learning curve becomes, especially as the team introduces complex defensive packages planned for the regular season. The stalled negotiations with Hendrickson and Stewart’s holdout collectively present significant hurdles for the Bengals as they aim to maintain a defensive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
Potential Consequences for Cincinnati’s Season and Defensive Unit
The ongoing contract impasse with Hendrickson and Stewart’s holdout raise serious questions about the Bengals’ defensive outlook as they approach a season where playoff success is expected. Losing Hendrickson’s veteran presence and production would not only weaken the pass rush but also disrupt locker room dynamics. The delay in Stewart’s arrival could slow the infusion of fresh talent necessary to sustain long-term defensive competitiveness. As these situations unfold, Cincinnati faces a precarious start to training camp, threatening their readiness and cohesion on the field.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast is Trey Hendrickson?
A. Trey Hendrickson clocked a 4.65-second time in the 40-yard dash. As a defensive end from Florida Atlantic University, he participated in this event at the 2017 NFL Combine.
Q. How much will Trey Hendrickson make in 2025?
A. At 30 years old, Hendrickson will earn a base salary of $15.8 million in 2025. His salary cap impact will be $18.6 million. This is much less than the best edge rushers in the league. Players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt have average yearly earnings exceeding $40 million.