Bengals Face Uncertainty With Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart Ahead of Camp

National Football League: Bengals Face Uncertainty with Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart Ahead of Camp

Updated Jul. 21, 2025, 6:09 p.m. 8k8 com register philippines download ET

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is hopeful that Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart will be his starting defensive ends when the Bengals kick off the season against the Cleveland Browns on September 7. However, the odds of both players being on the field as training camp commences on Wednesday appear slim.

Stewart, the 17th overall pick in April’s draft, did not report alongside the other rookies on Saturday. The veterans, including Hendrickson, are slated to report on Tuesday.

“Those two guys are athletes I hold in high regard,” said Bengals owner Mike Brown on Monday. “Trey and Shemar — we wouldn’t have them here if we didn’t trust them as individuals and players. Circumstances like this happen in the NFL, and we accept that. We’re not holding any grudges. Our focus is doing what’s best for the team.

“If I felt that we were being unfair in any way, it would be a different situation, but I don’t.” Taylor mentioned that he spoke with Hendrickson a couple of days ago, but he remained uncertain if he would see him this week.

Hendrickson was selected to the All-Pro team last season after leading the league with 17.5 sacks. He missed last month’s mandatory minicamp but did make an appearance during an offseason workout in May to express his frustrations regarding negotiations.

Hendrickson is pursuing a long-term extension that includes guaranteed money on par with what the league’s elite pass rushers are receiving. He is currently set to earn $15. ssbet77 free 30 pesos8 million in base salary with a cap hit of $18.7 million.

“He’s earned a raise and an extension, and we’ll continue to explore how we can reach an agreement,” said Duke Tobin, the director of player personnel. “Having great players is a good challenge to have, and we’re fortunate to have many talented and highly paid players, so finding a balance is what we’re striving for.”

Tobin took a different tone when discussing Stewart, who remains the only first-round pick yet to sign. The Bengals and Stewart are at an impasse over contract terms that could potentially void future guarantees if any off-field incidents occur. This is the first time Cincinnati has sought to include such provisions with a first-round pick, though other teams have done so.

“It’s a very unusual situation; it isn’t merely about money,” Brown explained. “That aspect has been settled for months. This negotiation has devolved into something rather ridiculous. We’ll have to wait for a more positive outcome. I believe that will happen eventually, but perhaps not today or tomorrow.”

The tension between the two sides has persisted since Stewart was drafted on April 24. Stewart opted not to sign an injury waiver to participate in team practices during offseason workouts, an uncommon move for a rookie.

“I think Shemar needs to be here,” said Tobin. “The top priority for any young player is to have a strong start and a successful rookie season, which often leads to a long and productive NFL career. He needs to show up and focus on that.”

Tobin also expressed his concerns about Stewart’s agent, Zac Hiller, suggesting that he might not be providing the best advice for his client. “He’s listening to guidance that he’s paying for,” Tobin stated. “I don’t understand or agree with that advice, but ultimately, I’m not the one funding it. If I believed we were treating him unfairly compared to other draft picks this year, maybe things would be different, but that’s not the case. I just don’t fully grasp the current situation.”

Hiller responded via text message to The Associated Press, stating: “Duke Tobin has had no role in this negotiation jilibet philippines. It seems to be beyond his level of authority ph365 online casino download jili slot 777 login register online philippines.”

Defensive coordinator Al Golden is eager to see both players report as soon as possible. The Bengals finished last season with a 9-8 record, ranking 25th in total defense, allowing an average of 348.3 yards per game. They also lost four games where they scored at least 30 points.

“I believe the transition will be smoother for Trey since we will be asking him to do things aligned with his skill set, while Shamar will need to learn our core fundamentals and implement what he has learned both on and off the field. This will require some time,” Golden said, who is entering his first year as defensive coordinator. “We are on a timeline regarding what he has accomplished on the field, and we need to get him out there and get him up to speed.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

What are your thoughts on the Bengals’ current situation with Hendrickson and Stewart?