The Cincinnati Bengals are facing early challenges even before the NFL season officially kicks off, as key defensive players Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson are holding out for contract negotiations. Both players are aiming for more favorable financial agreements, which could impact the team’s performance as they look to build on past playoff appearances.
Contract Holdouts Challenge Bengals’ Defensive Line
The NFL season hasn’t started, yet the Cincinnati Bengals are already contending with significant absences on their defensive line. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is currently holding out in pursuit of a fully guaranteed contract, while veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson has yet to report to training camp, seeking a lucrative deal ahead of the impending season.
Hendrickson’s Contract Concerns
Trey Hendrickson joined the Bengals on a substantial four-year, $60 million contract back in 2021. After a successful season where he recorded 17.5 sacks and earned a place on the All-Pro team, his contract concluded last year. Throughout his tenure with the Bengals, he has consistently been named to the Pro Bowl. In March 2025, the organization granted Hendrickson permission to explore trade options after contract extension discussions reached an impasse, though talks are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, rookie Shemar Stewart is in a standstill regarding his contract, which would typically be valued at approximately $18.97 million based on his draft position. He is requesting specific language to ensure full guarantees in his deal. Bengals owner Mike Brown remarked on the situation, hypothetically addressing concerns over player conduct by stating, “we’re not going to be paying someone who’s sitting in jail,” drawing attention to the risks teams weigh in negotiations.
Trey Hendrickson is looking for more guarantees in his contract. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Currently, Hendrickson is training in Jacksonville. While Stewart is focused on securing a fully guaranteed contract, Hendrickson is seeking guarantees that extend beyond the initial year. As he approaches his 31st birthday, the Bengals appear reluctant to commit to a long-term deal laden with guarantees, particularly given the potential for performance decline due to age.
Hendrickson’s stance is influenced by contracts awarded to other star edge rushers, such as T.J. Watt, who signed a groundbreaking extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, entailing a nearly fully guaranteed contract. Other players like Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns have also secured extensions that emphasize substantial guaranteed sums spanning multiple years.
In response to the holdouts, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed disappointment over the absence of both Stewart and Hendrickson, noting the challenge it poses for the team’s aspirations. Following a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, Cincinnati has only secured a playoff berth once in the subsequent three years.
The Bengals face a difficult road ahead without Hendrickson and Stewart anchoring their defensive line. As both players appear prepared to forfeit essential preparation time and potentially regular-season games, the outcome of their negotiations remains critical for the team’s success this coming season.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
