Bengals Turn to Hendrickson and Stewart for Resolving Contract Negotiation Situation

The commencement of the 2025 NFL season is on the horizon, though the actual games remain over a month away. Before that excitement, teams must navigate the rigorous training camp, where rookies and free agents vie for a position during preseason evaluations. This culminates in final roster cuts, after which, on September 7, the full season kicks off.From the previous year, it was clear that the Bengals faced considerable challenges, particularly on defense, which struggled to contain opponents. Significant changes are underway, including the departure of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and several starters. Al Golden is set to lead a reformed Bengal defense.However, the potential effectiveness of this unit hinges on the edge rushers. Notably, Trey Hendrickson, a top pass rusher who led the league in sacks last season, remains in contract negotiations, expressing dissatisfaction with the Bengals' offer. Additionally, first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has not yet finalized his contract due to language disputes. Both players must navigate these challenges wisely to benefit themselves and the team.